Dolly Parton Honored With Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, All-Star Tribute at 2016 CMA Awards
Dolly Parton was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday evening (Nov. 2) at the 2016 CMA Awards and in celebration, a lineup of who's who of country women paid tribute to the icon with a mashup of her biggest hits.
Jennifer Nettles and Pentatonix kicked off the tribute with Parton's iconic "Jolene." While Nettles sang lead, Pentatonix assisted on rhythm beside her. Reba McEntire followed suit, dressed in a navy blue gown for a soulful rendition of "Nine to Five" complete with backing singers and pedal steel.
Next, Kacey Musgraves impressed with her unique cover of "Here You Come Again" before Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride wowed the Bridgestone Arena with "I Will Always Love You." Soon, Nettles, McEntire and Musgraves joined in on the iconic song. Clearly enjoying the tribute, Parton could be seen singing along. As McEntire closed the performance, she remarked, "Gosh dang it Dolly, we love you!"
The feeling was mutual as Parton blew kisses her way before Vince Gill escorted her to the stage for her award. The country legend thanked everyone for her beautiful tribute.
"Thanks to all of these beautiful girlfriends of mine and congratulations to all the winners tonight," Parton said. "Wow, what a tribute. This was so touching I would have cried, but I didn't want to mess up my eyelashes. This is such a great compliment. This is a wonderful, wonderful night for me so thank you for all of that. For me to be receiving the Willie Nelson Award, this is an absolute high for me ... I want to thank all my fans for allowing my little girl dreams to come true."
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