Dolly Parton shocked audience after her death with surprise video appearance

Before Dolly Parton's death, the Americana Music Association decided to pay tribute to the pop icon with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

So, when the ceremony took place, the audience seemed to expect someone to present the award posthumously.

However, to their shock, a video message played, and Parton appeared on screen looking chirpy and lively.

The audience gasped, apparently having no idea a pre-recorded version of the Jolene singer existed.

According to Variety, Parton recorded the video message earlier because she couldn't attend when the ceremony was scheduled.

While in the video, she said, "Well, hey, it’s Dolly, and I am so honoured to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association."

"I mean, roots music, or what is now called Americana music, is what I grew up playing back in the Smoky Mountains," she added.

"It’s that same music that drew me back to East Tennessee back in 1997 to write and record my album ‘Hungry Again.’

“And that project really opened the door to a series of bluegrass and acoustic albums that changed the course of my career in so many ways," the Grammy-winning singer continued.

"Now, new fans discovered these albums, new Americana music communities embraced them, and now, looking back at it all, I see this era of my career as a musical renaissance of sorts.”

“And I want to thank everybody at the AMA for recognising me with this award. It’s a great honour, truly. And just know that I will always love you," she concluded.

Parton died on Aug. 25. She was 80.