Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes Honor Dolly Parton With ‘Islands in the Stream’ at 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala [WATCH]
Dolly Parton was honored as the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year during a special ceremony on Friday night (Feb. 8), ahead of the 2019 Grammy Awards. During the event, Parton's goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, and pop star Shawn Mendes paid tribute to the country icon with a spot-on performance of the 1983 hit "Islands in the Stream."
Readers can press play above to watch Cyrus and Mendes' powerful duet. "Islands in the Stream" was originally recorded by Parton with Kenny Rogers and is one of both artists' best-known songs.
“She’s the most non-judgmental person I’ve ever [known] in the world,” Cyrus told People of Parton before the show. For her part, Parton says having Cyrus as a part of the ceremony was only fitting: “I love Miley,” the legendary artist adds. “We’ve done a lot of things together, and it wouldn’t be right for me to be honored on a big deal like this and not have my Miley.”
The official charity of the Recording Academy, MusiCares' Person of the Year award recognizes Parton's charitable efforts throughout her lengthy, lauded career. Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Little Big Town and many more big country names performed Parton's greatest songs and biggest hits during the Friday night event. Artists from other genres, including Katy Perry and Yolanda Adams were also part of the the tribute performances.
On Sunday night (Feb. 10), Parton will be honored at the Grammy Awards with another star-studded tribute performance. Little Big Town, Musgraves, Maren Morris and Katy Perry have been confirmed as performers for the big moment, though several other artists, including Cyrus, have teased their involvement as well. Parton, too, will be part of the tribute; it will be her first Grammy Awards performance since 2001.
Dolly Parton Honored as MusiCares Person of the Year: See Pics