Dolly Parton: The Acting Side of Things

[CeeCee72]

I wonder if Dolly knew she would win that award this year before she passed away since she had pre-recorded the message?

Yes, she knew. Most all country music awards (and Americana is a type of country) announce lifetime achievement and other special recognition/career achievement awards well ahead of the actual awards ceremony. Typically, they do that to ensure the recipient is present at the show and to give ample time to prepare to other artists who are asked to perform in tributes to the awarded artist.