The 2026 MTV VMAs on 27 September will feature multiple tributes to late icons, with Kacey Musgraves performing in honour of Dolly Parton, who died on 25 August aged 80. The ceremony, hosted by Snoop Dogg, will also see RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims performing a tribute to George Michael, whilst Nirvana receives the video vanguard award; Musgraves herself is nominated for best country with her song "Dry Spell." Additional performers include Madonna (opening the show), Shaboozey, Lisa, Yung Lean and others, with the broadcast airing on CBS, MTV and Paramount+.

The VMAs have only recently expanded to prioritise country music, with the best country category introduced in 2025, which explains why Parton—despite being one of music's most beloved and important figures—was never nominated during her MTV-era career. Musgraves has previously honoured Parton at major awards shows whilst she was alive, performing alongside her at the 2016 CMA Awards and 2019 Grammys, and joins other artists across the industry in marking her passing through tributes on prestigious platforms such as the Primetime Emmys.