Dolly Parton Honored at 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala
What a night!
On Friday (2/8), artists from multiple genres flocked to the Los Angeles Convention Center to honor a woman who has had an indelible mark on the world. It was at the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year gala that Dolly Parton became the first country honoree and was celebrated for her musical and philanthropic efforts.
The night, hosted by Little Big Town, was filled with artists performing Parton’s biggest hits, from Willie Nelson and Brandi Carlile singing 1983’s “Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way)” to Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson and Shawn Mendes putting their own spin on “Islands in the Stream,” an array of Parton music was celebrated.
Highlights of the night included gospel singer Yolanda Adams performing “I Will Always Love You.” Her powerful performance left those in the room wanting more, and earned her a standing ovation. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s chemistry was undeniable as the couple performed “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.” Brooks backed Yearwood with an acoustic guitar and background vocals.
Another stand-0ut moment was when Cam, Margo Price and Jennifer Nettles came together to form a new Trio, in honor of Parton’s collaborations with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.
The event, which raised $6.7 million for MusiCares, ended with an eight-minute speech from Parton, who reflected over her 50 year career.
“People say to me, ‘Well, wasn’t it a man’s world when you got into the business?’ And I say, it sure was and, buddy, I had a ball. I have actually worked with so many wonderful men. I’ve never met a man that I didn’t like and I’ve never met a man whose ass I couldn’t kick if he didn’t treat me with the right respect,” she said.
She closed the night with a final performance of her song “Coat of Many Colors,” featuring Linda Perry on guitar.
