Dove Awards Put Dolly Parton’s Faith at the Heart of an Emotional Musical Tribute
Dolly Parton’s influence on music and faith took centre stage at the 2026 GMA Dove Awards, where Amy Grant and Natalie Grant joined forces for a moving tribute to the late country music icon. The performance celebrated not only her remarkable musical legacy but also the deep Christian faith that shaped so much of her work.
Less than six weeks after Parton’s death on August 25, 2026, the ceremony offered a powerful reminder of the mark she left on country, gospel and Christian music.
Amy and Natalie Grant Deliver a Moving Tribute
Held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, October 6, the 2026 GMA Dove Awards were broadcast on Friday. The annual ceremony celebrates achievements across the gospel and Christian music industries.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when multi-Dove Award winners Amy Grant and Natalie Grant took the stage to honour Parton.
Before the music began, Amy Grant shared personal reflections on the singer and the role faith played throughout her life and career. She explained that Parton’s faith was woven into everything she did, before becoming visibly emotional as she reflected on how widely the beloved star was cherished.
“It felt like Dolly belonged to all of us,” Grant told the audience.
As she finished speaking, footage of Parton performing the Christian hymn “How Great Thou Art” began playing. Natalie Grant then took over for the second verse and chorus, before Amy joined her to bring the song to its conclusion.
The performance prompted a standing ovation, with many audience members raising their hands in worship.
The tribute ended with the two singers performing one of Parton’s most enduring songs, “I Will Always Love You”, bringing together the spiritual and musical sides of her legacy in a fitting farewell.
Dolly Parton Wins a Posthumous Dove Award
The tribute was not the only significant moment for Parton at this year’s ceremony. She was also posthumously recognised with the Dove Award for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year for “Broken Angels”, a song she co-wrote with Jamie Johnson, lead singer of The Grascals.
Written about addiction, the song became the final composition Parton co-wrote before her death.
Unable to perform at the ceremony herself, Parton was represented by Sonya Isaacs, who joined The Grascals to perform the winning song during the pre-telecast.
The award added another achievement to Parton’s history with the GMA Dove Awards, where she has now won four trophies.
In 2020, she collaborated with For King & Country on “God Only Knows”, which won Short Form Video of the Year. She subsequently earned Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recording Song of the Year in 2022 for “In The Sweet By and By” and again in 2024 for “Lookin’ For You”, her collaboration with Zach Williams.
Her latest win further underlined the breadth of her work, which connected country and bluegrass traditions with gospel and Christian music.
Remembering Dolly’s Iconic 1990 Dove Awards Performance
Parton’s connection with the Dove Awards stretches back decades. One of her most memorable appearances came in 1990, when she performed “He’s Alive” alongside the Christ Church Choir.
The powerful song reflects on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, placing the Christian message at the centre of the performance.
That appearance remains a notable example of how Parton brought her faith into her music, a theme that returned to the forefront during this year’s tribute.
Through the performances by Amy and Natalie Grant, the Dove Awards offered a reminder that Parton’s legacy extends beyond her catalogue of beloved songs. Her faith, generosity of spirit and ability to connect with audiences across musical genres remain central to how she is remembered.
The evening’s tribute brought those elements together, honouring a singer whose influence continues to resonate across generations.