Dolly Parton Weighs in on Beyoncé’s CMA Snub

Country music legend Dolly Parton has offered her thoughts on the controversy surrounding the Country Music Awards (CMAs) after Beyoncé was notably absent from the list of nominees for this year’s awards. Despite Beyoncé’s acclaimed foray into country music with her album Cowboy Carter, where she was even featured alongside Parton herself, the superstar was not recognized in any category.

In an interview with Variety, Parton expressed understanding about the CMAs’ decision to prioritize artists who have a longer history in the genre.

“Well, you never know,” Parton said thoughtfully. “There are so many wonderful country artists that, I guess, probably the country music field thought, ‘We can’t really leave out some of the ones who spend their whole life doing this.’”

Despite the snub, Parton had nothing but praise for Beyoncé’s work on Cowboy Carter, calling it “a wonderful album.” She emphasized that Beyoncé should be proud of her efforts, adding, “I think everybody in country music welcomed her and thought that was good.”

Parton dismissed the idea that Beyoncé was intentionally excluded from the nominations, suggesting that it was more a matter of the CMAs focusing on artists who regularly contribute to the genre. “I don’t think it was a matter of shutting her out on purpose,” she explained. “I think it was just more about what the country charts and the country artists were doing—those who do that all the time, not just a specialty album.”

It’s worth noting, however, that this year marks Post Malone’s first official venture into country music, and he secured four nominations. This disparity has fueled discussion about whether the CMAs are selectively open to new artists in the genre.

As the CMAs approach, the snub has sparked debate among fans and critics alike, but Parton’s calm and measured take suggests that Beyoncé’s contribution to country music will be remembered, even without the recognition this year.