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Dolly Parton Wins ACM Poet’s Award in Nashville

8/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dolly Parton received the ACM Poet’s Award at the 19th ACM Honors in Nashville.
The Carter Family and Brett James were honored posthumously with ACM Poet’s Awards.
Kacey Musgraves earned the ACM Spirit Award for fearless songwriting and genre-blurring artistry.
Eric Church received the ACM Lifting Lives Award for Hurricane Helene relief and the Concert for Carolina.

History

Historical Context

Founded in Los Angeles in 1964 to promote western-state country music, the Academy of Country Music held its first awards ceremony in 1966—preceding the Nashville-based CMA’s show. Televised nationally in 1972, the ACM later moved its headquarters to Nashville and continues honoring songwriters like Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves, linking its West-Coast origins to today’s country hub.

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Story summary

Dolly Parton received the ACM Poet’s Award at the 19th ACM Honors in Nashville.
The Carter Family and Brett James were honored posthumously with ACM Poet’s Awards.
Kacey Musgraves earned the ACM Spirit Award for fearless songwriting and genre-blurring artistry.
Eric Church received the ACM Lifting Lives Award for Hurricane Helene relief and the Concert for Carolina.

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