Kelly Clarksonis giving it up to Dolly!
At Monday’s2022 ACM Awards, Clarkson delivered a stunning performance of “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute to country music legend and host for the award show,Dolly Parton.
“Give it up for Dolly Parton,” Clarkson said as she exited the stage.
“I know that Whitney is smiling down on us tonight, so thank you very much — she would be proud of that,” Parton said of the late superstar Whitney Houston, whose cover of the track became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
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“I was backstage trying not to cry my false eyelashes off — slinging snot in every direction and tears,” continued Parton. “But anyway, that was an amazing job!”
Clarkson, 39, firstbroke the exciting newsthat she was paying tribute to Parton during an episode ofThe Kelly Clarkson Showlast month, saying, “I love her so much.”
Check out PEOPLE’s full ACM Awards coverage to get the latest news on one of country music’s biggest nights.
Kelly Clarkson.Kevin Winter/Getty
“One word: DOLLY,“she wrote on Instagramalongside a short clip. “That’s right, y’all! I’m so excited to announce that during this year’s@ACMawards, I’ll be performing a tribute to the show’s host@DollyParton! Don’t miss the#ACMawardsLIVE Monday, March 7, only on@PrimeVideo.”
Parton, 76, later commented on the post with a red heart emoji.
RELATED GALLERY:Behind-the-Scenes Photos from the 2022 ACM Awards Rehearsals
The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards included a star-studded list of performers beginning withBrittney Spencer,Brothers Osborne,Carrie Underwood,Chris Young,Eric Church,Jason Aldean,Jordan Davis,Kane Brown,Luke BryanandMitchell Tenpenny.
Meanwhile, more performances includedMaren Morris,Thomas Rhett, Ballerini,Chris Stapleton, Walker Hayes,ParmaleeandBlanco BrownfeaturingBrooke Eden,Carly PearceandAshley McBrydeandBRELAND.
RELATED VIDEO: Dolly Parton on Creating Hope & Giving Back: “Believe in Something Bigger Than Yourself”
This year’s ACM Awards are streaming live from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas exclusively on Prime Video starting at 8 p.m. EST.
source: people.com
