The Academy of Country Music has shared that country music icon Dolly Parton will receive the ACM Poet’s Award during the 19th ACM Honors, adding another milestone to her legendary career as one of the genre’s most influential songwriters. Parton, who will accept the honor through a special video message, is being recognized for a songwriting catalog that includes enduring classics such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”
The organization also unveiled an all-star lineup of performers for the annual celebration, which recognizes special honorees and industry achievements outside the ACM Awards telecast. The performance roster features Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Carly Pearce, Carter Faith, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum and Trisha Yearwood. Many of the artists are expected to participate in tribute performances honoring this year’s recipients, continuing the ACM Honors tradition of celebrating songwriters, performers and behind-the-scenes contributors through collaborative live performances.
In addition to Parton, this year’s honorees include Bill Anderson and Mike Curb, who will receive the ACM Icon Award; Eric Church, recipient of the ACM Lifting Lives Award; Kacey Musgraves, who will receive the ACM Spirit Award; Brett James and The Carter Family, who are also being recognized with ACM Poet’s Awards; C2C: Country to Country, recipient of the ACM International Award; Leslie Fram, honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award; Scott Zolke, receiving the ACM Service Award; and “Landman,” which will be presented with the ACM Film Award. Ella Langley and Jessie Jo Dillon also will be recognized for their Artist-Songwriter and Songwriter of the Year honors announced earlier this year.
The 2026 ACM Honors will be co-hosted by Carly Pearce for the sixth consecutive year alongside first-time co-host Parker McCollum, scheduled for Aug. 19 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
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