Dolly Parton attends the 57th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., March 7, 2022. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona

March 7 (Reuters) – Singer Dolly Parton on Monday dedicated the Academy of Country Music Awards show to the people of Ukraine in a music-filled ceremony that saw Miranda Lambert crowned artist of the year.

Taking the stage in a mirrored jumpsuit, Parton delivered one of two tributes to Ukraine at the opening of the annual awards ceremony at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The show was streamed live on Prime Video for the first time.

“I want us to send our love and hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Why not dedicate this whole show to them and pray for peace,” the 76-year-old country music matriarch said to loud applause.

Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi thanked Parton for his dedication as the band accepted their Band of the Year award, adding that it was strange to celebrate when “people are fighting for their lives”.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused the flight of 1.7 million people and raised fears of a wider conflict in the West. Read more

Miranda Lambert won the award of the evening, artist of the year, after a year in which she released the hit album ‘The Marfa Tapes’ with singer-songwriters Jon Randall and Jack Ingram, to acclaim by criticism.

Lambert accepted her award via live stream from London, where she is due to perform this week.

Other big winners include Morgan Wallen for Best Album, “Dangerous,” and Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood for Song of the Year, “If I Didn’t Love You.”

Chris Stapleton was named Male Artist of the Year and Carly Pearce was named Female Artist of the Year.

Kelly Clarkson performed a moving version of “I Will Always Love You” in tribute to Parton, who hosted the show alongside Jimmy Allen and Gabby Barrett.

Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Karishma Singh

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