Dolly Parton says Kelly Clarkson’s tribute to her at the upcoming 2022 ACM Awards is “going to be special” to her for many reasons.
While chatting with Nischelle Turner during Entertainment Tonight, the country music icon opened up about her upcoming hosting gig at the 57th Academy Of Country Music Awards. “I am real excited. It is always fun to do the shows. It has been a long time since I have done the ACMs, so I am looking forward to hosting that with my wonderful co-hosts,” Parton admitted.
“We are looking forward to being in Vegas… It’s a big night and a big, exciting deal for me and for the fans,” Parton added.
In addition to her duties as a co-host of the ACM Awards, the “Jolene” singer will also be honored with a special tribute performance from her longtime friend Kelly Clarkson, who will perform the Whitney Houston hit, penned by Parton, “I Will Always Love You,” during the star-studded awards show.
Kelly Clarkson Will Pay Tribute To Dolly Parton At The 2022 ACM Awards
While chatting with Turner, Parton also praised Clarkson’s vocal abilities and admitted that her tribute performance will be a moment that she’ll never forget.
“It makes me feel great that she’s going to be doing it, because Kelly is one of the greatest singers in the world,” Parton shared. “It’s one thing for people to do a tribute, you know, it’s going to be pretty good, but with her, you know it’s going to be real good. I do love her to death. I love her personality. I just love the way she is. I have known her for a long time… so that is going to be special to me, of course.”
Clarkson, a two-time ACM Award winner, recently shared that she is “super stoked” to pay tribute to the East Tennessee native. The Kelly Clarkson Show host previously performed at the ACM Awards in 2007, 2013, 2018 and 2019.
Parton recently teamed up with Clarkson to reimagine her chart-topping hit, “9 to 5,” a track that appears on Parton’s 1980 album, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. Produced by Shane McAnally, the new version of the track coincides with the announcement of Still Working 9 to 5, a documentary celebrating the iconic film.
Dolly Parton Will Also Perform With Kelsea Ballerini During The Show
During the coveted awards show, Parton will also take a brief break from her hosting duties to perform her new song, “Big Dreams And Faded Jeans,” alongside Kelsea Ballerini.
Solely penned by Parton, “Big Dreams And Faded Jeans” is a track that appears on Parton’s just-released album, Run, Rose Run, a project that coincides with her forthcoming novel of the same name.
“So many people come to Nashville with their sack of songs,” Parton shared of the track. “Whether they’re running from anything or not, they’re running towards a future. That’s what ‘Big Dreams and Faded Jeans’ is all about. I am so pleased to finally share the first song from this exciting new album with all of you!”
The two-hour, commercial-free awards show, will feature more than 20 performances and will air live on Prime Video from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday, March 7 at 8/7c.
