Dolly Parton Recorded a Heartfelt Message for Music Teachers Shortly Before Her Death
Dolly Parton left music teachers with a meaningful message of gratitude and encouragement in a special video recorded shortly before her death. The clip was shared during a celebration honoring educators whose dedication continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, adding an emotional moment to an evening devoted to the power of music.
The message was featured at the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration of its Music Teachers of Excellence program on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Country star Zac Brown introduced the surprise video, giving the audience an opportunity to hear from Parton as the event recognized outstanding music educators from across the United States.
CMA Foundation Celebrates 10 Years of Music Teachers of Excellence
Established a decade ago, the CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence program recognizes music educators who go above and beyond to support their students. As the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, the foundation created the initiative to celebrate teachers whose work makes a lasting difference in their communities.
The 2026 class featured 30 exceptional educators from 12 states. According to the foundation, these teachers are using music to transform lives and create meaningful opportunities for their students.
The honorees were celebrated at a red-carpet event on Wednesday, October 7, in Nashville, Tennessee. Each teacher was selected through an application process and received a $5,000 stipend, divided equally between personal use and their classroom or educational program.
The funding gives educators the flexibility to address practical needs and expand opportunities for their students. Previous honorees have told the foundation that they planned to use their stipends for new instruments, recording equipment, sheet music, guest composers, after-school clubs, and student scholarships.
The anniversary celebration also featured an impressive lineup of performers. Zac Brown, David Phelps, Sierra Hull, Carrie Manolakos, Markus King, Keith Urban, Tucker Wetmore, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band were among the artists announced for the event, which took place at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Zac Brown Introduces Dolly Parton’s Surprise Video
Brown opened the ceremony by introducing a special message from Parton, who was presented as a beloved figure whose influence extends well beyond her music.
“Not long before we lost her, Dolly recorded a special message for the teachers in this room,” Brown told the audience. “She took the time to speak directly to you, and I can’t think of a better way to begin this night.”
Before playing the video, Brown reflected on what it means to leave a lasting legacy. He explained that a person’s impact is measured not only by what they create but also by what they give to others.
“When I think about legacy, I think about what we create, but even more than that, I think about what we give away,” he said. “This is how life continues to reach people long after a single moment has passed.”
Brown then spoke about Parton’s generosity, her belief in children, and the opportunities she has helped create throughout her life.
“Few people understood that better than Dolly Parton,” he continued. “Dolly gave the world extraordinary songs, but her legacy reaches far beyond music. She gave people hope, she believed in children and she used everything she built to create opportunities for others.”
His introduction set the tone for a particularly touching moment as the audience prepared to hear directly from the late country music icon.
Dolly Parton Thanks Music Teachers for Inspiring the Next Generation
When Parton appeared on the screen, she greeted the audience with the warmth and enthusiasm that made her so recognizable to fans around the world.
“Well hey there!” she began. “I am so happy to welcome you to Nashville as the CMA Foundation celebrates 10 years of Music Teachers of Excellence.”
She also expressed her excitement about the guests’ visit to Nashville, mentioning two attractions associated with her: the Songteller Hotel and the Life of Many Colors Museum.
“Now, I’m excited that you’re all staying at my new Songteller Hotel and I’m thrilled that you’re getting to see my Life Of Many Colors Museum.”
Parton then turned her attention to the teachers being honored, emphasizing the essential role they play in helping young people discover and develop their musical abilities.
“I’ve always believed that music brings people together but none of that happens without dedicated teachers who encourage and inspire and believe in the next generation,” she said. “And that’s why we’re celebrating tonight.”
She followed those words with a direct expression of appreciation for the educators in attendance.
“And to every music teacher of excellence, I want to thank you for your passion, patience, and care that you give your students each day. Congratulations on this incredible milestone and keep making beautiful music together!”
Her message captured the spirit of the celebration, recognizing that the future of music depends in part on teachers who encourage young people, nurture their talents, and help them find their voices.
The video also carried added emotional weight because it had been recorded shortly before her death. Although the circumstances of the recording were not established in the event’s introduction, the knowledge that Parton was no longer there to deliver the message in person made her appearance especially moving.
Fans Share Emotional Reactions to Dolly’s Message
Parton’s appearance prompted an outpouring of affection from fans who were touched by the opportunity to see and hear her again.
One viewer shared an emotional reaction in the comments, writing, “Wasn’t planning to have tears in my eyes at 7:45am, but here we are. ”
Another expressed how deeply the singer was missed: “Dolly, we miss you ! My tear ducts been working over time Rest easy beautiful Dolly.”
A third fan reflected on the privilege of having lived during Parton’s career, commenting, “We are SO blessed to have lived in the eras of @dollyparton .”
The responses reflected the affection many listeners continue to feel for Parton and the emotional connection they have with her music, generosity, and public presence.
For the teachers gathered in Nashville, her message offered a personal acknowledgment of the work they do every day. For fans watching from elsewhere, it was another reminder of the warmth and encouragement that have long been associated with the country legend.
Zac Brown Performs His Duet With Dolly Parton
The tribute continued after Parton’s video ended, when Brown took the stage to perform “Butterfly,” a song he and his band originally released with the country icon in 2025.
Rather than attempting to recreate a live performance with Parton, Brown sang his parts onstage alongside a recording of her vocals. The arrangement brought the two artists together once more, allowing the audience to hear their collaboration while remembering the singer’s influence.
The performance provided a fitting continuation of the evening’s celebration. Parton’s prerecorded message had recognized the teachers who help keep music alive for future generations, while the duet offered a reminder of how recordings allow artists’ voices and creative work to reach audiences long after a performance has ended.
Together, the video and Brown’s performance highlighted different aspects of Parton’s legacy: her music, her commitment to giving back, and her appreciation for the people who help others discover their own talents.
Her message to the Music Teachers of Excellence honorees was simple but meaningful. Music brings people together, she reminded them, and dedicated educators play a vital role in making that possible. By thanking teachers for their patience, passion, and care, Parton left the audience with a tribute to the people who help ensure that the next generation can continue making beautiful music together.
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