One of the biggest highlights of a show filled with big highlights was the honoring of Dolly Parton and presenting her with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Long time Dolly friend and 9 to 5 costar Lily Tomlin came out to present Dolly with the honor–followed by an all-star musical tribute to the legendary songstress from Jennifer Nettles, Pentatonix, Reba, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. In accepting the honor Dolly made light on the award’s namesake and his legendary love of a certain…let’s say…enjoyment.
Dolly Parton accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. (2:02)
“Thank you so much. Thank you Lily. Thanks to all these beautiful girlfriends of mine and Pentatonix, and congratulations to all the winners tonight. Wow, what a tribute. This was so touching. I woulda cried but I didn’t want to mess up my eyelashes you know. I was doing my best, but anyways. This is such a great compliment. This is a wonderful, wonderful night for me so thank you for all of that and of course now for me to be receiving the Willie Nelson Award, this is an absolute high for me. I mean for me to have a high achievement award, I mean how appropriate is that, he’s had some highs that border on historic I can tell you that, but enough of that. I really am very proud to receive this, and of course they’ve asked me to hurry it up they say their behind but you’re talking about a lifetime here right. Anyway, I know how this goes and I’ll make it as fast as I can. How about Jennifer Nettles as an actress? Did you see her in the Coat of Many Colors? Well we’re doing it again. Christmas of Many Colors on November the 30th. Jennifer you did so well, I’m so proud of you. Anyhow, I just want to thank all my fans and everybody for allowing me to see my little girl dreams come true. I have people that I must thank, a few people like my uncle Bill Owens and of course Cas Walker and Betty Killen, and Fred Foster and of course Porter Wagoner and all the many people who have helped me in my life. I had a big speech but they won’t let me give it so thank you so much for this wonderful award and have a wonderful evening. Thanks to all of you.”
Lily Tomlin presents Dolly Parton with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. (2:03)
“Well thank you, thank you, thank you. I go way back with the great Dolly Parton. While we were working on 9 to 5 she was working 24/7 on becoming one of America’s best singer songwriters. And as Dolly’s adoring fan and loving friend I know why tonight Dolly is receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, for being an iconic artist in country music. Dolly is country music pure and simple, which is also the title of her latest album, which went number-one this year. And I once had a small part in a movie called Nashville, but Dolly, Dolly helped build Nashville. I could go on and on. Dolly is really a force of nature, and one of the greatest artists in the history of country music. Dolly, we will always love you. And I am so happy to present this Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to the one and only Dolly Parton.”