Dolly Parton was honored as the 2019 MusiCares® Person of the Year tribute concert on February 8. The star-studded event included a brief on stage reunion when the beloved singer-songwriter-actress was joined by her former Trio partners, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.
“When we heard the blend of our three voices,” said Harris, “we were pretty stunned. We knew we had something special. The making of those albums was such pure joy.”
The evening was filmed and has been made into a special to air on Netflix beginning April 7, 2021. Watch the official trailer below.
Others who joined in the celebration singing songs from Parton’s extensive library included Don Henley and Vince Gill (“Eagle When She Flies”), Willie Nelson and Brandi Carlile (“Everything’s Beautiful [In Is Own Way]”), Norah Jones, Chris Stapleton (“9 to 5”), Mavis Staples, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, a duet featuring Miley Cyrus and Shawn Mendes (“Islands in the Stream”) and a duet with Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves (“Here You Come Again”). The event was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Additional performers included Leon Bridges, P!nk, Mark Ronson and Linda Perry. Parton closed the evening’s performances. Greg Phillinganes was the musical director.
Parton, born Jan. 19, 1946, was recognized in recognition of her significant creative accomplishments and longtime support of many charitable causes.
Watch the trailer for Dolly Parton: A MusiCares Tribute
In her acceptance speech, she said: “I have worked with so many wonderful men. I’ve never met a man I didn’t like and I never met a man who ass I couldn’t kick if he didn’t treat me with the right respect.”
Watch Parton’s acceptance speech
Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute—now in its 29th year—provide essential support for MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy that ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.
Watch a recap of the event from the Recording Academy
Parton was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2011. Among her biggest hits are “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Islands in the Stream” (with Kenny Rogers). She has earned 22 #1 country singles.
Parton was the first country artist to be honored. “Of course you know us hillbillies need music care, too,” she said. “We may not have sex, drugs and rock and roll, but two out of three ain’t bad!”
Related: Our Album Rewind of the Parton-Ronstadt-Harris Trio album
For Parton’s 75th birthday on Jan. 19, 2021, she wrote, “I have a birthday wish that I want to share with you. My wish is that everyone does something a little different today. Let’s call it a call for kindness. If you want to donate to your favorite cause, then donate. If you want to give an old friend a call during these lonely times, give them a call. If you can safely volunteer, then raise your hand to do so. If you decide that today is the day you get a dog, then run down to the shelter and find your new buddy. The choices are limitless.”
Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include: Tony Bennett, Bono, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac (2018), Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty (2017), Bonnie Raitt, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.
Related: Our recap of Petty’s 2017 event, including his remarkable speech
The 2018 event honoring Fleetwood Mac marked the band’s final performance with Lindsey Buckingham.
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