See Pentatonix, Jennifer Nettles’ Dolly Parton Tribute at CMA Awards

An all-star group of performers paid tribute to Dolly Parton at the CMA Awards, collaborating on a medley of the performer’s hits.

In a segment to present Parton with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, a capella group Pentatonix joined Jennifer Nettles for a contemporary update of “Jolene.” With only beatboxing and harmonized oohs from Pentatonix providing the instrumental backing, Nettles allowed her brassy voice to soar. The uptempo arrangement of the performance also nodded to dance music, demonstrating the enduring power and flexibility of Parton’s remarkable songwriting.

Later in the segment, Reba McEntire kept the party going with “9 to 5” and Kacey Musgraves delivered a charming rendition of “Here You Come Again.” The grand finale included Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood on “I Will Always Love You,” swapping lines with Nettles, Musgraves and McEntire.

Parton, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, is a nine-time CMA Award winner, including a 1978 Entertainer of the Year victory.