Carly Pearce, Carter Faith and Kaitlin Butts joined forces at the 19th ACM Honors in Nashville for a special performance celebrating Dolly Parton and her extraordinary contribution to country music.
The trio chose Parton’s iconic “9 to 5,” transforming the familiar hit into a lively celebration of one of country music’s most influential songwriters. Their performance earned a strong response from the audience and became one of the evening’s memorable tributes.
Rather than having one singer carry the entire song, Pearce, Faith and Butts traded lead vocals throughout the verses. They then came together during the chorus, creating a blend that gave the classic recording a fresh ensemble feel.
The performance was especially meaningful because it took place as Parton was being honored with the ACM Poet’s Award. The award recognized her decades-long impact as a songwriter and her role in creating some of country music’s most enduring songs.
Parton was unable to attend the Nashville ceremony in person, but she accepted the honor through a prerecorded video message. In that appearance, she reflected on the importance of songwriting to her life and creative identity.
“9 to 5” was a fitting choice for the tribute because the song represents one of Parton’s most successful moments as both a songwriter and performer. Originally associated with the 1980 film of the same name, the song became one of her signature recordings.
For Pearce, the tribute also carried a personal connection. She had worked at Dollywood early in her career before becoming a successful recording artist and eventually an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. Her admiration for Parton has been well documented over the years.
Faith and Butts brought their own styles to the performance, creating an interesting contrast with Pearce while keeping the spirit of Parton’s original intact. Their different voices helped make the rendition feel like a celebration across generations of country music.
The performance also reflected the broader purpose of ACM Honors, which celebrates artists, songwriters and industry figures whose contributions have helped shape country music. The 2026 ceremony honored several major figures, including Kacey Musgraves, Eric Church, Bill Anderson and The Carter Family.
Although Parton was not physically standing onstage with the singers, her presence was unmistakable. The combination of her ACM recognition and the three women performing one of her most recognizable songs turned the moment into a celebration of her songwriting legacy.
Pearce, Faith and Butts ultimately delivered more than a cover of “9 to 5.” Their performance served as a musical thank-you to Parton and a reminder that the songs she created decades ago continue to inspire new generations of country artists.
Compiled from various sources.
