Dolly Parton Calls For ‘Love And Hope’ With Touching Dedication For People Of Ukraine At ACM Awards

While hosting the 2022 American Country Music Awards on Monday night, country music legend Dolly Parton dedicated the show to the people of Ukraine as the Russian invasion of their country continues. Dolly shared hosting duties for this year’s ACMs with rising country stars Gabbie Barrett and Jimmie Allen.

In an interview afterwards, the 76-year-old singer explained that she stepped up to do this because it was the least she could do after looking on powerless at the situation that is unfolding in Ukraine.

Dolly Parton Explains Her Ukraine Comments During ACMs

“Well, I felt that it was not only important but urgent to do it because there’s so much grief and so much sorrow,” Parton said of her Ukraine comments, according to Daily Mail. 

“I just can’t help feeling like that’s just home, and I feel for those people like they’re my own people, and I just feel like we have to say or do something, whatever we can,” she added.

Parton went on to say that having fun at an awards show didn’t feel right for her unless she addressed the suffering in Ukraine.

“I felt like I couldn’t enjoy myself without at least acknowledging them,” she explained. “With us having fun and having the freedom to do that, I just felt that it was necessary to take a minute to acknowledge and pay respect to them and what they’re going through.”

Read also: Dolly Parton Praises James Woods – ‘One Of The Greatest Actors Of All Time’

‘I Don’t Want To Be Political, And This Is Not’

True to form, Dolly Parton kicked off the ACMs at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in style.

After quipping that a disco ball dropped on her, the ‘Jolene’ singer turned serious by taking a moment to dedicate the show to the people of Ukraine. 

“I love to laugh, I love to joke, and we’re going to have a good time tonight, but I do want us before we get started with all our fun to take a serious moment,” she said.

“Now I don’t want to be political, and this is not. I’d rather pass a kidney stone than do that, but I want us to send our love and hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine,” Parton continued. “So why don’t we just dedicate this entire show to them and pray for peace around this crazy old world?”

You can check out Dolly Parton’s dazzling ACMs wardrobe and opening comments in the video below.

Dolly Parton Stays Out Of Politics 

Unlike many celebrities, Dolly has long let it be known that she has no intention of getting involved in politics.

“I don’t do politics, I have too many fans on both sides of the fence,” she said in 2019. “Of course, I have my opinion, but I learned years ago to keep my mouth shut about things.”

Dolly Parton is right – praying for the people of Ukraine right now isn’t political at all. God bless Dolly Parton, and God bless the people suffering everywhere.

Read next: Dolly Parton’s Sister Stella Blasts Kentucky Politician For Disrespecting Dolly