Country music legend Dolly Parton received the Poet's Award at the Academy of Country Music Honors on August 19, accepting via pre-recorded video rather than attending the Nashville ceremony in person. In her acceptance remarks, she emphasised the centrality of songwriting to her creative life and career, characterising it as a therapeutic outlet and means of reaching audiences. The event also honoured other artists including Eric Church and Kacey Musgraves, with performances from Carly Pearce and colleagues paying tribute to Parton's catalogue.

Parton's remote participation reflects ongoing health difficulties that have kept her away from several recent public events. She attributed her absence from the opening of a new roller coaster at her Dollywood theme park to dehydration and dizziness, conditions she has linked to previous kidney stone issues. She is scheduled to accept a Lifetime Achievement award at the Americana Honours & Awards in September, which she will similarly receive virtually, though she has maintained some public commitments when circumstances permit.