Kacey Musgraves paid tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, performing “I Will Always Love You” in a sparse, piano-led arrangement. The performance followed Parton’s death and presented the song as a quiet farewell, with archival footage and a recording of Parton introducing the tribute before Musgraves sang alone.

Parton died on 25 August aged 80. Musgraves had also honoured her at a Boston concert with “Here You Come Again” and shared a message of grief online. The VMA appearance was Musgraves’ first performance at the ceremony since 2021; she was nominated this year for Best Country for “Dry Spell” and is touring behind her 2026 album *Middle of Nowhere*.