The 2023 ACM Awards were filled with surprise winners, unforgettable performances, and emotional moments. But one of the most memorable moments of the night came when co-host Dolly Parton went off script to honor two women she described as being like sisters to her.
During a break between performances, hosts Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton took a moment to remember members of the country music family who had passed away. Dolly specifically honored Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd. Naomi Judd died by suicide in April 2022 at the age of 76, while Loretta Lynn passed away in October at age 90.
“As you know, Loretta was a coal miner’s daughter. A hero. And one of the most important, but one of the most down-to-earth singer-songwriters in history,” Dolly shared. “And of course Naomi and I – we’re the same age….we loved big hair, I still do. And we loved that makeup. But, above all else, we loved each other.”
Garth added, “Tonight we lovingly remember all those we lost in our country music family. And we promise to do our best to keep the circle forever unbroken in their memory.”
“And we give thanks for their precious memories,” Dolly said before beginning a heartfelt rendition of the classic spiritual “Precious Memories.” The room fell silent as Dolly sang the familiar song a cappella.
Dolly had previously released an album titled Precious Memories in 1999, featuring some of her favorite hymns, and she has performed the song many times throughout her career. Still, her heartfelt rendition at the ACM Awards was especially powerful and became one of the most touching moments of the evening.
You can hear Dolly Parton sing “Precious Memories” during her Christmas special in the video below.