WATCH: Beautiful tribute to Dolly Parton at American Country Music Awards

American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson has paid a beautiful tribute to Dolly Parton, 76, at the recent American Country Music Awards (ACM) on Monday, March 7.

Taking the stage with confidence, Clarkson performed a heart-warming cover of Whitney Houston’s rendition of the iconic hit song, I will Always Love You, in dedication to the globally-loved 9 to 5 singer and original writer of the song, Dolly Parton.

The performance comes as the world celebrated International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8, and paid special tribute to Parton’s 1974 release of the song which was later made popular by Whitney Houston in the 1992 movie, The Bodyguard. Clarkson received an emotional standing ovation from the crowd as fans were left stunned by her incredible voice despite taking on what is regarded as one of the hardest song’s to sing of all time.

Parton was touched by the special performance, describing her attempts to remain looking graceful despite “crying her eyes out”.

“I was backstage trying not to cry my false eyelashes off, and slinging snot every direction, and tears,” admitted Parton.

We will always love @kellyclarkson ❤️ Watch the #ACMawards on @PrimeVideo! pic.twitter.com/Tp9cpPN55I

— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) March 8, 2022

The 2022 ACM Awards aired live on Prime Video from Las Vegas where they saw outstanding performances from Lady A, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris and a number of other famous country music stars.

The event was hosted by American country music singers Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett alongside the wonderful Dolly Parton.

Let’s hear it for the 57th #ACMawards hosts who made tonight so incredible, @DollyParton, @JimmieAllen, @GabbyBarrett_ ???? pic.twitter.com/hEMpm0wPEs

— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) March 8, 2022

Clarkson took to Twitter to express her honour upon celebrating Parton’s incredible legacy, writing “What is life!? I love you @DollyParton!”

Parton has long been recognised as a country music icon and referred to as “The Queen of modern women’s work rights”, earning her place in the hearts of thousands of fans throughout the course of her career.

Her iconic 9 to 5 song is just one iconic representation of her efforts to represent female empowerment and rights through her music, and in her everyday life.

Last week, Dolly took to Instagram to thank ACM for their kindness in throwing her new album Run Rose Run a release party, posting a video of herself quoting her most famous sayings.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

The new album comes a companion to her new book, co authored by James Patterson Novels which was released on March 4 through Parton’s record label company, Butterfly Records.

“Well wasn’t it quite nice of the @ACMawards to throw a release party for #RunRoseRun. Excited to celebrate a great night of country music and the release of my first novel!” she wrote.