Kacey Musgraves will honor the late Dolly Parton with a special tribute performance at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on September 27, as Rolling Stone first reported. The tribute comes as Musgraves continues her successful “Middle of Nowhere” tour, which includes two major Southern California dates this fall.
Musgraves, who is also nominated for Best Country for “Dry Spell,” has already been paying homage to Parton during her tour stops, performing classics like “Here You Come Again” and “9 to 5” in cities like Boston and New York. “I’m not over it, and I’m never gonna be over it,” Musgraves told the Madison Square Garden crowd, reflecting on Parton’s enduring impact. The VMAs performance will mark her first appearance at the awards show in five years.
A Fitting Tribute to a Country Icon
According to Rolling Stone, Musgraves’ emotional connection to Parton runs deep. Following Parton’s passing in August, Musgraves expressed her grief on social media, writing, “The world feels a lot less sparkly all of a sudden.” Her tribute at the VMAs is poised to be a heartfelt celebration of Parton’s legacy, joining other performances including a George Michael tribute by RAYE, Sombr, and Teddy Swims, as well as Madonna’s highly anticipated return to the VMAs stage after two decades.
Musgraves’ current tour has been a commercial success, though specific box office numbers from Pollstar remain behind a paywall. The “Middle of Nowhere” tour underscores her status as a leading voice in contemporary country music, blending traditional influences with modern sensibilities.
SoCal Connection: Crypto.com Arena Shows
For Southern California fans, Musgraves’ tribute news arrives just as she prepares for two nights at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on October 18 and 19. These shows are part of her broader tour routing and offer local audiences a chance to experience her live homage to Parton ahead of the VMAs broadcast.
Los Angeles has long been a key market for Musgraves, who has cultivated a dedicated fanbase in the region through previous performances and critical acclaim. Her upcoming arena dates signal both her commercial ascent and the enduring appeal of country music in diverse urban settings.
The 2026 VMAs will air on CBS and MTV on September 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET. With Musgraves’ tribute serving as a centerpiece, the event promises to be a memorable night for music lovers honoring legends past and present.
Last updated September 26, 2026.
Sources: Rolling Stone, Pollstar
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