Amy Grant Reflects on Honoring Dolly Parton at Dove Awards

Amy Grant recently shared a poignant story related to Dolly Parton’s final days. Speaking to Fox News Digital, the 65-year-old singer recounted her experience paying tribute to Parton at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards and narrated an anecdote from a friend who worked at Vanderbilt Hospital, where Parton passed away.

Grant mentioned hearing that Parton’s close circle recalled her fondness for singing to the tune of ‘Amazing Grace,’ praising Jesus. Grant stated, “I’m just trying to imagine, has there ever been a circle of doctors and nurses singing praise Jesus to the tune of ‘Amazing Grace’ outside anybody’s room? I would venture to say no.”

Parton died on Tuesday, August 25, at 80, after a brief battle with cancer. During her conversation with Fox News Digital, Grant reminisced about her friendship with Parton, emphasizing Parton’s consistent excellence and impeccable fashion sense. Grant joked about who might have seen a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Parton, aside from perhaps God.

The “magic” of Parton, according to Grant, lay in her intentionality in reaching out to others. She noted Parton’s kindness towards her stage manager and how she offered to send a video to her guitarist’s daughter for a “Dolly Parton night.”

Grant stressed, “Love sees,” referring to Parton’s ability to truly notice others and act with love. She shared a personal memory of traveling to Austin, Texas, in 2003, with her husband Vince Gill and their baby daughter Corrina for a concert special with Parton. Despite her baby’s illness then, Parton later remembered and asked about her “magical child,” demonstrating her attention to detail.

Reflecting on Parton’s passing, Grant expressed admiration for Parton’s intentional life choices. She hoped this would remind others of the power of their own choices. Grant recently joined Natalie Grant to honor Parton in a musical tribute at the Dove Awards.

The event took place on October 6, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, hosted by Tauren Wells. Grant, deeply moved by Parton’s passing, was tasked with speaking about her, finding it difficult to read through the teleprompter without becoming emotional.

For the performance, Grant wore a pale pink dress coat belonging to her mother, altered for the occasion. Addressing her late mother, she asked for strength and felt welcomed by the audience as they collectively paid tribute to Parton.

Nervous about singing Parton’s songs, Grant noted the challenge of performing pieces crafted for Parton’s particular voice. After the performance, Grant and Natalie Grant shared a heartfelt hug, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to honor an icon.