“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When country music royalty comes together to honor a legend, magic happens. At the 2016 CMA Awards, viewers witnessed one of the most powerful musical tributes in country music history when five of the genre’s most celebrated female artists—Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Kacey Musgraves, Jennifer Nettles, and Reba McEntire—joined forces to perform Dolly Parton’s iconic “I Will Always Love You.”
The performance was part of a special tribute to Dolly Parton, who received the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award that evening. The award recognizes artists who have attained the highest degree of recognition in country music, and few are more deserving than Dolly.
The tribute began with Jennifer Nettles and a cappella group Pentatonix delivering a reimagined version of “Jolene.” The arrangement showcased Pentatonix’s signature harmonies while Nettles’ powerful vocals brought the narrative to life. This wasn’t the first collaboration between Pentatonix and Dolly’s music—earlier that year, they had released a video featuring Dolly herself singing “Jolene” with the group.
Following this opening, country music icon Reba McEntire took command of the stage with an energetic rendition of “9 to 5,” Dolly’s anthem celebrating working women everywhere. Reba’s performance captured the spirit and energy of the original while adding her distinctive vocal style.
Next came Kacey Musgraves, who delivered a heartfelt performance of Dolly’s 1977 crossover hit “Here You Come Again.” Musgraves’ clear, pure tone and understated delivery highlighted the song’s emotional core.
The climax of the tribute arrived when Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride began singing “I Will Always Love You.” Their powerful voices blended beautifully on the opening verses of Dolly’s most covered song—a composition that became a global phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded it for “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. As the song built toward its emotional peak, they were joined by Nettles, McEntire, and Musgraves, creating a stunning five-part harmony that brought tears to Dolly’s eyes as she watched from the audience.
The camera captured Dolly’s emotional reaction as these five extraordinary women paid homage to her legacy. When she finally took the stage to accept her award, Dolly, ever the wit, joked, “This is an absolute high for me,” making a playful reference to Willie Nelson’s well-known affinity for marijuana.
What made this performance particularly special was how it represented different generations of country music. From veterans like Reba McEntire and Martina McBride to then-newer stars like Kacey Musgraves, the tribute demonstrated how Dolly’s influence spans decades and continues to inspire artists across the spectrum of country music.
The performance also highlighted the unique bond between women in country music. In an industry that has often been criticized for not giving female artists equal opportunities, this moment showcased the incredible talent and mutual respect among these performers. Each brought her distinctive style to the tribute while honoring Dolly’s incomparable contributions to music.
As the final notes of “I Will Always Love You” faded, Reba summed up the sentiment of the evening with a simple but heartfelt statement: “Gosh, dang it, Dolly, we love you to pieces.” It was a perfect conclusion to a tribute that celebrated not just Dolly’s music, but her enduring impact on country music and American culture.
This performance remains one of the most memorable moments in CMA Awards history—a beautiful testament to Dolly Parton’s unparalleled legacy and the power of female voices in country music.