Dolly Parton to Be Honored for ‘Outstanding Contributions’ With Nashville Chamber’s 2026 Icon Award

Dolly Parton is set to be posthumously honored by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, during its Annual Celebration 2026: Next Starts Now, slated for Sept. 17 at the current Nissan Stadium.

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The celebration honors people who have helped shape and define Nashville and Middle Tennessee, with honorees representing leadership in sectors including business, education, healthcare, music, civic life, workforce development and philanthropy.

Parton is one of three posthumous recipients of the chamber’s icon awards, which recognizes individuals whose lasting contributions have helped Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and whose legacies will continue to influence the region. Alongside Parton, the honorees are civic and business leader Ronald L. Corbin, as well as civic and philanthropic leader Martha R. Ingram.

More individuals will be honored with the 2026 Spirit of the Region Awards, including advocate award honoree Dave Briggs, catalyst award honorees C. Wright Pinson M.D. and Dr. Shanna L. Jackson Ed. D., connector award recipient Mark Heffernan, influencer award recipient Leisa Gill, innovator award honoree Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones, trailblazer award recipient Hal Lawton, visionary award honoree members of the Super Bowl Bid Committee, and changemaker award recipient Sarah Trahern, known for her work in leading the Country Music Association.

“We have a lot to celebrate this year, including people who have made outstanding contributions to our region,” Stephanie Coleman, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “Our theme, Next Starts Now, reflects both how far our region has come and the work that is already underway to shape its future. Our honorees embody that spirit through their leadership, service, and commitment to Middle Tennessee.” 

Coleman added, “Our annual celebration is also an opportunity to recognize the members and investors who make the chamber’s work possible. As our region’s job creators, community partners and leaders, they play an essential role in driving economic prosperity, and we are proud to celebrate their role in our region’s success.” 

Parton died on Aug. 25 in Nashville at age 80. She was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The country icon, who was born in Locust Ridge, Tenn., earned two Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers with “9 to 5” and “Islands in the Stream,” and 25 Hot Country Songs chart-toppers, including “Here You Come Again,” “Joshua,” “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle To You” “Islands in the Stream” and “Yellow Roses.”