By Admin 
Dolly Parton’s lasting impact on music and faith took center stage at the 2026 GMA Dove Awards, where Amy Grant and Natalie Grant joined forces for a moving tribute to the legendary singer.
Held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, October 6, the ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in gospel and Christian music. Parton received a posthumous Dove Award for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year for “Broken Angels,” a powerful song about addiction that she co-wrote with Jamie Johnson, lead singer of The Grascals. The song was the final composition she co-wrote before her reported death on August 25, 2026.
Sonya Isaacs performed the award-winning song with The Grascals during the pre-telecast, honoring Parton’s songwriting legacy.
Amy Grant and Natalie Grant Deliver an Emotional Tribute
One of the evening’s most touching moments came when Amy Grant reflected on Parton’s life and influence before introducing a musical tribute.
Fighting back tears, Amy spoke about how deeply Parton’s faith shaped her life and work. She also shared the sentiment that Dolly had a special place in the hearts of so many people, making her loss feel deeply personal to fans everywhere.
The tribute continued with a video of Parton performing the beloved hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Natalie Grant then took over the second verse and chorus before Amy joined her to bring the performance to a powerful conclusion.
Audience members rose to their feet, with many lifting their hands in worship as the singers celebrated Parton’s spiritual legacy. They closed the tribute with one of her most iconic songs, “I Will Always Love You.”
The performance served as a heartfelt reminder that Parton’s influence reached far beyond country music, touching the lives of listeners through her generosity, songwriting, and enduring faith.
Dolly Parton’s Dove Awards Legacy
Parton’s latest honor added to a remarkable history with the GMA Dove Awards. She received four Dove Awards over the course of her career, including the posthumous award for “Broken Angels.”
Her previous wins included Short Form Video of the Year in 2020 for “God Only Knows,” her collaboration with For King & Country. She also won Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recording Song of the Year for “In the Sweet By and By” in 2022 and “Lookin’ for You,” her collaboration with Zach Williams, in 2024.
One of Parton’s most memorable Dove Awards appearances came in 1990, when she joined the Christ Church Choir to perform “He’s Alive,” a stirring song celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
That performance remains a powerful example of how Parton brought her faith to the stage, blending her unmistakable voice with a message that resonated deeply with gospel audiences.
At the 2026 ceremony, Amy Grant and Natalie Grant carried that spirit forward, honoring not only Parton’s extraordinary musical achievements but also the faith that remained an important part of her public life and legacy.