Dolly Parton was honored at last night’s Grammy MusiCares Person of The Year event in Los Angeles. The tribute featured performances by Vince Gill, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Pink, Willie Nelson, Mark Ronson, Mavis Staples, Leon Bridges, Lauren Daigle, Linda Perry and Shawn Mendes and raised over $6 million for MusiCares.
Parton was presented with the award from her former Trio partners, Emmylou Harris and a surprise appearance from Linda Ronstadt.
Celebrated for her philanthropy, in true Dolly style, she accepted the award with a bit of humor. After thanking the night’s performers she said, “It’s been such a thrill for me tonight to see all these great artists that are singing songs that I’ve written or been a part of. Watching them is sort of like watching porn — you’re not personally involved, but you still get off on it. At my age, you take anything you can get.”
“I truly am honored to be the MusiCares Person of the Year, and the first country artist to be honored. That’s right — because you know, we hillbillies, we need music-care too!” she said. “We may not have sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, but two out of the three ain’t bad.” Then she added, “But I really am feeling the love in this house tonight. Either that, or my telephone’s on vibrate.”
Highlights of some of the night’s performances:
“Here You Come Again” by Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves:
“Islands In The Stream” by Miley Cyrus and Shawn Mendes:
Willie Nelson and Norah Jones performed “Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way)”:
Pink opened the night with the first song “Jolene”:
MusiCares provides resources and counseling to musicians in need. Learn more about the organization here.
-Nancy Brooks