Taylor Swift made MTV Video Music Awards history on Sunday night, September 27, but she used one of her biggest moments to honor the late country music icon Dolly Parton.

Swift took home three awards at the 2026 VMAs, including Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and the inaugural Artist Director Honors. The wins pushed her past Beyoncé as the most-awarded artist in VMA history.

While accepting the Video of the Year award, Swift dedicated the honor to Parton, whom she described as the “ultimate showgirl.”

“I want to thank and dedicate this award to one person, without whom this wouldn’t be happening, and that person is the ultimate showgirl, Dolly Parton,” Swift said.

Swift went on to reflect on Parton’s songwriting and the way her music brought stories to life. She said listening to Parton’s songs felt like watching a great music video, praising the country legend’s storytelling and the way she approached her career with grace, joy, love and gratitude.

Parton, who died in August at the age of 80, was also remembered during the ceremony through a tribute performance by Kacey Musgraves, who performed “I Will Always Love You” alongside archival footage of Parton.

For Swift, the tribute carried particular significance as she celebrated a milestone of her own. The inaugural Artist Director Honors recognized her work behind the camera and her contribution to music-video storytelling. Swift has written and directed numerous videos throughout her career, including “The Man,” “All Too Well: The Short Film” and “Fortnight.”

With her latest victories, Swift now stands alone as the artist with the most MTV VMAs, moving beyond the previous tie with Beyoncé at 30 awards.

Rather than focusing solely on her own record-breaking night, Swift used the moment to acknowledge an artist whose career and storytelling had influenced generations. Her tribute to Parton gave an emotional touch to an already historic night for the pop superstar.