Dolly Parton honored her late friends Loretta Lynn and Naomi Judd during the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards. She described Lynn as a coal miner's daughter and a legendary singer-songwriter. Parton also mentioned her connection with Judd, saying they were the same age and loved big hair and makeup. She then performed an unscripted rendition of the hymn "Precious Memories." The crowd fell silent as Parton sang, and co-host Garth Brooks expressed his admiration. Lainey Wilson won Female Artist of the Year, while Chris Stapleton won Entertainer of the Year. Cole Swindell also took home two awards.