Dolly Parton Sparkles and Steals the Show at the 2023 ACM Awards With Her Wit and Captivating Performance

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On Thursday, Dolly Parton made a grand entrance at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

The 77-year-old iconic artist’s sparkling silver ensemble beautifully accentuated her hourglass figure, turning heads as she walked down the red carpet.

Dolly Parton capturing everyone’s attention in a sparkling silver ensemble at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music AwardsDolly Parton capturing everyone’s attention in a sparkling silver ensemble at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards held at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 11, 2023 (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Her attire boasted a plunging neckline that showcased her legendary bust, adorned with sparkling embroidered silver beads and delicate sheer paneling, creating an elegant turtleneck silhouette.

Adding an extra glamour, the ensemble featured layers of flashy crystal fringe trimming the hem and swirling silver paisley accents embellished with beading and crystals on each shoulder.

Dolly Parton opted for a pink-and-red manicure to add bold pops of color to her shimmery silver ensembleDolly Parton opted for a pink-and-red manicure to add bold pops of color to her shimmery silver ensemble (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

The rich country singer-songwriter incorporated a Western twist into her look with silver patterned pants, elegantly lined with crystal fringe along her legs.

Completing her ensemble, she sported a vibrant pink and red manicure, complemented by a cocktail ring adorned with multiple diamonds and a jeweled butterfly ring.

Her iconic bleach-blonde hair cascaded in a free-flowing bouffant style, while glossy pink lips, rosy blush, and dazzling purple and white eyeshadow enhanced her radiant features.

Dolly Parton’s beauty look consisted of a blonde bouffant, colorful eye makeup, a rosy blush, and a pink lipDolly Parton’s beauty look consisted of a blonde bouffant, colorful eye makeup, a rosy blush, and a pink lip (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

As for footwear, Parton donned her signature tall platform heels featuring platform soles made of matching silver leather accentuated with shimmering round crystals. These delicate 5-inch heels added a glamorous touch and boosted her height, giving her look the perfect finishing touch.

ACM Awards has always had a special connection with Dolly Parton. She has been honored with ten prestigious awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year in 1978.

The event, held annually, celebrates the best acts and musicians in the country music industry. This year, Parton and Garth Brooks took on the role of co-hosts, ensuring an unforgettable night for country music enthusiasts.

To kick off the ceremony, Brooks paid tribute to the revered country music legends, including Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard.

The 61-year-old singer expressed gratitude towards his esteemed cohost and exclaimed, “But the king of country music is a female! Give it up for G.O.A.T.!”

Dolly Parton is a celebrated country music icon with ten prestigious awards from the Academy of Country Music aloneDolly Parton is a celebrated country music icon with ten prestigious awards from the Academy of Country Music alone (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Parton strutted onto the stage with perfect timing, accompanied by a live goat named Claire, playfully addressing the crowd’s search for a goat. “Did I hear you say you were looking for a goat? I’ve got your goat right here!” she exclaimed, showcasing her quick wit and infectious humor.

And that was only the beginning. Parton revealed a humorous anecdote, claiming she had heard rumors that she served as the “hall pass” for Brooks and his 58-year-old wife, Trisha Yearwood.

With a mischievous grin, she exclaimed, “I just had a thought! I know why you’re doing that ‘G.O.A.T.’ thing! I think it stands for ‘Garth Organized a Threesome.'”

The audience laughed as a blushing Brooks admitted, “And I thought I couldn’t love you anymore. I think I speak for everybody, not just in Texas but around the world when I say we will always love you.”

Dolly Parton with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music AwardsDolly Parton with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

While the evening had its light-hearted moments, Dolly Parton also took a heartfelt turn, paying tribute to two dear friends who had passed away. In a poignant and impromptu moment, she delivered a heartwarming a cappella rendition of the hymn “Precious Memories,” honoring the legacies of Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd.

She praised Lynn, who passed away at age 90 last October, as a “hero and one of the most important, but still down-to-earth singer-songwriters in history,” and fondly remembered Judd, who died by suicide in April 2022, saying, “We’re the same age, both real G.O.A.T.s, Capricorns, and we loved big hair. I still do. And we loved that makeup. But above all else, we loved each other.”

To conclude the memorable night, Parton graced the stage once again, performing the lead track from her upcoming all-star rock album, “Rockstar,” which will be released on November 17.

Priscilla Block and Dolly Parton posed for photographs together at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music AwardsPriscilla Block and Dolly Parton posed for photographs together at the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

The album features a star-studded lineup of collaborations with icons like Pat Benatar, Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, John Fogerty, Peter Frampton, Rob Halford, Debbie Harry, Joan Jett, Elton John, Simon Le Bon, Paul McCartney, and many others.

It is a powerful response to her reluctant 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

With her performance of “World on Fire,” Parton made a statement that reverberated through the venue. Draped in a dramatically billowing map-of-the-world skirt, she delivered a passionate plea, lamenting the polarized state of contemporary society.

Dolly Parton made sure that the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards was an unforgettable one with her talent, wit, and heartDolly Parton made sure that the 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards was an unforgettable one with her talent, wit, and heart (Credit: imageSPACE / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Her powerful lyrics resonated: “Show some love, let’s rise above, let’s make a stand, let’s lend a hand, let’s heal the hurt, let kindness work, let’s be a friend, let hatred end.”

At that moment, Dolly Parton proved once again that she was not only a musical icon but a voice of unity and compassion.