Taylor Swift took home two big awards at the 2026 MTV VMAs on Sept. 27, including the night's top honor, video of the year, for "The Fate of Ophelia." During her acceptance speech, she made sure to shine a light on the late Dolly Parton
Taking the stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Swift played off the title of her latest album "The Life of a Showgirl," which included the song that won her the video of the year award, "The Fate of Ophelia." She thanked her fans, crew and cinematographer, before adding someone "without whom this would not be happening, the ultimate showgirl, Dolly Parton."
Swift went on to compare listening to Parton's "vivid" songs to watching "the best music video you've ever seen in your life, every time." That wasn't
all the country-turned-pop superstar had to say about the icon, who passed away Aug. 25 after a battle with cancer.
"She handled this [stardom] thing with so much grace, joy, love and gratitude for the fact she got to do this," Swift said from the stage. "Everything that happened in her life and career she channeled back into love and appreciation for her fans. I am lucky I got to be one of them and I will always be one of them."
"I love you all so very much, I think we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time," she concluded.
Earlier in the night, Swift was given the first ever MTV VMA Artist Director Honor and Ella Langley won the award for best country song for "Choosin' Texas."
The MTV Video Music Awards, which celebrate the year's biggest music videos and artists, returned to the Los Angeles area for the first time since 2017 with the 2026 ceremony at the Peacock Theater.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Watch Taylor Swift honor Dolly Parton at 2026 MTV VMAs
