Kacey Musgraves‘ love for Dolly Parton is like a butterfly.

The “High Horse” singer honored her precious connection to her late mentor by turning the 2026 Video Music Awards stage on Sept. 27 into a scene straight out of Nashville to celebrate her incomparable legacy.

Indeed, after a vintage clip of Parton speaking to a concert crowd about the importance of listening to women, Musgraves—donning a sparkling fuchsia dress—brought the audience inside Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater to their feet when she performed a heartfelt rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”

And as the Grammy winner sang, Parton’s signature emblem of a butterfly floated on screen. 

After Musgraves appeared to get choked up while finishing the number, VMAs host Snoop Dogg took the stage to emphasize the powerful moment.

“Wow, now that’s how you honor a legend,” he said. “There’s nothing but love in this room for Miss Dolly Parton. We love you, Dolly.”

And as a final send-off to the country legend, Snoop helped the audience erupt with applause, adding, “I said if you love Dolly Parton, make some noise!”