ACM Honors 2026: Dolly Parton to Receive Poets Award as Legends and Rising Stars Take the Stage
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) announced the full lineup for its 19th ACM Honors, scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at The Pinnacle in Nashville’s Yards district. The event, presented by TennPop, Seltzer of the South, will feature a mix of established performers, emerging talent, and a slate of industry honorees.
The ceremony’s performers include Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Carly Pearce, Carter Faith, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcock, Kaitlin Butts, Mark Collie, Margo Price, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, and Trisha Yearwood. Special guest Brenda Lee will appear, and Zach John King will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards. Pearce and McCollum will co‑host the show.
Central to the night is Dolly Parton, who will receive the ACM Poet’s Award. The award honors songwriters whose work has shaped country music’s narrative. Parton, a 13‑time ACM Award winner and three‑time ACM Awards host, has written classics such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” She will accept the honor via a pre‑recorded video message.
The honoree list spans the genre’s history and contemporary reach. Bill Anderson, Brett James, C2C: Country to Country, The Carter Family, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, the Paramount+ series “Landman,” Leslie Fram, Mike Curb, and Scott Zolke will all be celebrated. The ACM also recognized Ella Langley, winner of Artist‑Songwriter of the Year, and Jessie Jo Dillon, winner of Songwriter of the Year.
ACM Lifting Lives, the academy’s philanthropic partner, is offering a VIP package that includes two premium side‑stage balcony seats, complimentary drinks, backstage photo access, a meet‑and‑greet, and commemorative merchandise.
The ACM Honors is known as the “Country Music Industry’s favorite night.” Unlike the televised ACM Awards, the Honors focuses on legacy, craft, and contribution, offering an intimate setting for performances and tributes.
The event will highlight the full country music ecosystem, from performers to writers, executives, and behind‑the‑scenes professionals. The inclusion of the “Landman” series underscores the growing intersection of country music with television and popular culture.
The 19th ACM Honors will run through the evening with performances, award presentations, and special tributes. The ceremony’s emphasis on storytelling, songwriting, and industry collaboration reflects the academy’s mission to honor those who shape country music.
As the night unfolds, the audience will witness a blend of classic and contemporary sounds, a celebration of songwriting excellence, and a showcase of the industry’s next generation.
The event’s final moments will reaffirm the genre’s roots while looking forward to future innovations, with Dolly Parton’s Poet’s Award underscoring the enduring power of narrative in country music.
