Kacey Musgraves Will Lead Dolly Parton Tribute at 2026 VMAs
The performance will mark the country singer's first onstage appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards in five years
Kacey Musgraves is set to make a notable return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage with a tribute performance to country music icon Dolly Parton in 2026. This marks a significant moment for Musgraves, who hasn't performed at the VMAs in five years. The choice of Musgraves to honor Parton speaks to her deep roots in country music and her ability to carry on Parton's legacy as a singer-songwriter.
The tribute performance is especially noteworthy given Dolly Parton's enduring influence on the music industry. As one of the most successful country artists of all time, Parton's contributions to music span decades and genres. By choosing Musgraves for the tribute, the VMAs are highlighting the connection between generations of country musicians and showcasing the genre's continued relevance.
Musgraves' performance is certainly something to watch next year, as is how the VMAs will continue to incorporate country music into their programming. With country and pop increasingly intersecting, it will be interesting to see how the VMAs balance their celebration of different genres and what other performances or tributes they have in store for 2026.
Originally reported by rollingstone.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.