At the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift won Video of the Year and dedicated the September 2026 honor to the late Dolly Parton , calling her the ultimate showgirl. The victory raised Swift's career total to 32 VMAs, the most in the ceremony's history. Swift praised Parton's songwriting as vivid, detailed storytelling that could turn every listen into a full visual experience. Swift also admired how Parton moved through her career with grace, joy, love, and gratitude, then redirected that appreciation toward her fans. Swift's VMA era keeps delivering The ceremony also gave Swift the first Artist Director Honors, created to recognize artists who expand music video storytelling through their work behind the camera. Earlier in the night, Kacey Musgraves honored Parton with a performance of “I Will Always Love You.” Swift's husband, Travis Kelce , missed the show because of an NFL game, but his VMA history with Swift still got a callback. Swift previously thanked Kelce during her 2024 Video of the Year win for “Fortnight,” and in 2022 she used her win for “All Too Well: The Short Film” to announce her return to pop with Midnights .