Country music legends Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks teamed up to play co-hosts for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday.
Parton turned up the heat on stage and took the show in a bold direction by introducing her colleague and his wife Tisha Yearwood.
During the opening segment, Parton joked that she had heard in interviews that she was the selection of the couple.
‘I just had an idea. I know why you do that GOAT thing!” declared Parton. “I think it stands for Garth Organized A Threesome!”
Seemingly taken aback by the reference to the trio, the Shameless singer replied with class, “And I thought I couldn’t love you anymore!”
Surprise proposal: Dolly Parton kicked off the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards by joking about a threesome with co-host Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood
Despite getting a little frisky with the married Brooks, Parton has been married to Carl Thomas Dean since 1966, though he’s left the spotlight for her altogether.
The dynamic duo kicked off with an opening number during the monologue, with the two sharing compliments along with a raunchy surprise from the Jolene star.
After welcoming the audience, Brooks dubbed Parton the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), while more than reciprocating by crowning him with the title of ‘King of Country Music’.
He changed the name of country music forever. In a flash he became one of the biggest stars of all time,” Dolly said, while Garth replied by referencing one of her most famous songs, saying that the “world […] will always love you.’
Getting back to the animal reference, Parton came out with a cart with a real goat in it: “Did I hear you say you were looking for a GOAT?” Parton said, adding, “I got your GOAT right here!”
Despite being one of country music’s biggest stars for decades, this marks the first time Parton and Brooks have ever worked together, according to Jewel of Tennessee.
“I am thrilled to be returning to host the ACM Awards, this time with my friend Garth,” Parton said in a statement when it was announced she was returning as host, as reported by Entertainment tonight. “While I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with him over the years, I can’t believe we never had the chance to work together.”
This is Parton’s third time hosting, having previously led the ACM ceremonies in 2000 and 2022.
After welcoming the crowd, Brooks dubbed Parton the “GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)” while more than reciprocating by crowning him with the title “King of Country Music”
In on the joke: Looking for a response to the animal reference, Parton came out with a cart with a real goat in it: “Did I hear you say you were looking for a GOAT?” Parton said, adding, “I got your GOAT right here!”
Bold twist: “I just had a thought. I know why you do that GOAT thing!. I think it stands for Garth Organized A Threesome!’ Parton said about Brooks and his wife Tisha Yearwood
For the opening of the broadcast, Parton flaunted her famous curves in a multi-colored floral dress, consisting of burgundy, green, black, white and red, with a plunging neckline.
As for Brooks, he looked classy in black jeans, a matching blazer and shirt to match his cowboy boots and hat.
In anticipation of all the laughing and joking at the opening, Parton, Brooks and Yearwood posed side by side during the red carpet portion of the festivities.
Showing off her fashionista ways, the I Will Always Love You icon came to the show in another outfit that was all about the bling with its silver tassels and fringe along her waist and legs.
The ensemble included slim-fitting trousers in a silver and charcoal gray color with a matching plunging neckline that hugged her feminine curves while showing off her ample cleavage.
She also sported a pair of silver open-toed heels, and her blonde long locks were pinned up as they flowed straight down her shoulders with bangs.
At one point, Brooks came between Parton and Yearwood, who was decked out in a form-fitting red and black patterned dress.
After Parton and Brooks were announced as hosts, she sang his praises in a statement.
“While I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with him over the years, I can’t believe we never had the chance to work together,” she said.
Sadly, fans didn’t get to see the legendary entertainers duet, though Parton still performed.
The trio: Parton also snuggled up on the red carpet with Brooks and Yearwood
Elegant: Yearwood looked stunning in a form-fitting red and black patterned dress
Flirtatious: Brooks got playful with his co-host and wife before the show’s opening
New Music: Before her performance, Parton debuted World On Fire, the first track on her upcoming album Rockstar
Get lost! The cover’s LP is a departure for her and marks her first rock album, and it was inspired after she was nominated – and subsequently inducted – into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
‘I think [Brooks’ wife] Trisha [Yearwood] will also be featured on the show, so I thought I wouldn’t mess with that,” Parton joked to reporters at a press event. “I don’t want her kicking my little ass!”
Before her performance, Parton debuted World On Fire, the first track on her upcoming album Rockstar.
The cover’s LP is a departure for her, marking her first rock album, and it was inspired after she was nominated – and subsequently inducted – into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
She initially turned down the nomination, feeling she was too country to be in the Rock Hall of Fame, but warmed to the idea after learning that the organization also nominates artists in other genres who have made a major impact on rock and popular music. music.