Amy Grant shared heartfelt memories from outside Dolly Parton’s hospital room. In an interview with Fox News Digital, the 65-year-old musician discussed the significance of honoring Parton at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards. She recounted a story from Vanderbilt Hospital, shared by a friend, where Parton spent her final days.
“Someone in Dolly’s close circle mentioned that Dolly loved to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ with praises to Jesus,” Grant explained. “The hospital staff, including an older and a younger doctor, gathered outside her room towards the end.” Grant pondered the rarity of such a scene with medical staff singing praises outside a patient’s room.
Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Grant reminisced about Parton always appearing at her best, noting that she only truly revealed herself to close friends or perhaps God. Grant termed Parton’s spirit as “magic.” She highlighted Parton’s kind nature, evident when she met Grant’s stage manager and offered to send a video to her guitarist’s daughter for a ‘Dolly Parton night.’
“She chose to see other people,” Grant stated. “I believe that is the first act of love.” She admired Parton’s intentionality and the impact of her choices in life.
Grant recalled traveling with her husband, Vince Gill, and their young daughter Corrina in 2003 for a concert with Parton. Despite her child’s illness, they participated in the show. Years later, Parton remembered and inquired about Corrina. Grant admired how Parton’s intentional choices influenced her own reflective thoughts about living differently.
At the recent GMA Dove Awards, Grant paid tribute to Parton alongside Natalie Grant. Though initially meant only for the introduction, Natalie Grant and her husband invited her to join in the performance.
The event took place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on October 6, 2026, with Tauren Wells as the host. Sharing her emotions about Parton’s passing, Grant found it difficult to read the teleprompter without tears.
“They advised us to wear pale pink,” Grant shared. “I wore my mother’s 1960s pale pink coat, altered for the occasion, and asked for her support.” Feeling welcomed by the audience, Grant expressed that everyone participated in the tribute to Parton.
Despite her nerves about performing Parton’s songs, Grant valued the opportunity, thanks to Natalie Grant’s encouragement. She reflected on the unique talents everyone brings to honor such an icon.