Dolly Parton Receives ACM Poet’s Award as She Shares Emotional Message From Afar

Dolly Parton has added another prestigious honor to her remarkable career, receiving the ACM Poet’s Award for her decades of work as one of country music’s most influential and celebrated songwriters.

The honor was presented during ACM Honors on Wednesday, August 19, at The Pinnacle in Nashville. The ceremony was not televised, but the event brought together numerous figures from across the country music industry.

Parton, however, was not able to attend the ceremony in person. Instead, she shared a heartfelt video message reflecting on the importance of songwriting and what the honor means to her.

Dolly Parton Honored for Her Songwriting Legacy

The Academy announced on July 28 that Parton would be this year’s recipient of the ACM Poet’s Award.

The award recognizes her extraordinary, decades-long impact as one of country music’s most gifted and influential songwriters.

Parton’s connection to the Academy spans generations. She is a 13-time ACM Award recipient and has hosted the ACM Awards three times, further cementing her place in the organization’s history.

Unlike the annual ACM Awards, which primarily recognize achievements from the previous year, ACM Honors celebrates artists and industry figures whose contributions have had a lasting impact on country music.

The event also recognizes recipients of honors including the Poet’s Award, International Award, Spirit Award and ACM Lifting Lives Award.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by Carly Pearce and Parker McCollum. Pearce returned as host for the sixth time, while McCollum made his debut in the co-hosting role.

Parton Misses Nashville Ceremony

While the award marked a major career milestone, Parton was unable to accept it in person because of health complications.

Her absence came just days after another scheduled appearance was canceled. Parton had been expected at Dollywood on Friday, August 14, for the dedication of the park’s new NightFlight Expedition ride and a parade.

A Dollywood spokesperson announced the afternoon before the event that Parton would no longer participate.

The cancellation followed a number of appearances she has stepped away from amid health struggles in recent months.

Parton also canceled a series of Las Vegas performances following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025, citing health concerns.

“Songwriting Has Been My Therapy”

Despite being unable to stand onstage in Nashville, Parton made sure to personally acknowledge the honor with a special video message.

Rather than looking back at her many accomplishments across entertainment, the country icon focused on the part of her creative life that has always meant the most to her: songwriting.

“At my core, songwriting has always been the most important part of who I am creatively,” Parton said.

She described songwriting as something that has given her comfort and happiness while allowing her to express herself and connect with others.

“Songwriting has been my therapy, songwriting has been my release, my joy, songwriting has been a gift from God,” she continued. “It has allowed me to touch people with words and music. So thank you God, and thank you fans around the world.”

Her words made the Poet’s Award particularly fitting. For Parton, songwriting has remained at the heart of her identity as an artist despite her extraordinary career across music and entertainment.

Although current travel restrictions prevented her from joining the celebration in Nashville, Parton said she continues to work on projects based in Nashville and New York.