Who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? The iconic country singer always uses her talents to help others and advocate for those in need. Recently, the country music legend sparked rousing applause when she opened the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas with a heartfelt tribute to Ukraine. She cracked jokes at the start of the show but suddenly took a significant turn, saying that she wanted to pause for a moment to reflect on the turmoil in Ukraine.

She said, “I do want us, before we get started with all our fun, to take a serious moment.” Parton, who avoids getting political at all costs, made it clear she wasn’t looking to walk into any partisan divides. Instead, she said she wanted to send her hope and love to those suffering amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Parton continued, “Now, I don’t want to be political, and this is not. I’d rather pass a kidney stone than do that. But I want us to send our love and hope to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.” Then, she stated that the entire show should be dedicated to the Ukrainian people and urged prayers for peace, saying, “So, why don’t we just dedicate this entire show to them and pray for peace around this crazy ‘ol world?”

Later in the show, band Old Dominion thanked Parton for her Ukraine tribute. According to Billboard, after winning vocal group of the year, member Brad Tursi expressed his gratitude to the country legend. Tursi said, “So many people here have fought for their dreams. But people are fighting for their lives right now.” He added that it was a bit strange to be celebrating at an award show during such a difficult time. “Thank you for saying that.”

2022 has been a busy year for Parton so far. She joined goddaughter Miley Cyrus in a Super Bowl commercial parodying charity singles for T-Mobile and was recently nominated for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Parton told Billboard in February, “I was absolutely floored when I heard that. I’ve never thought of myself as being rock and roll in any sense of the word — but I guess they judge it on the music and the influence certain songs have had. I’m not expecting that I’ll get in. But if I do, I’ll immediately, next year, have to put out a great rock and roll album — which I’ve wanted to do for years, like a Linda Ronstadt or Heart kind of thing.” However, Parton decided to bow out of her induction, saying it should go to someone more deserving.

The terror going on between Ukraine and Russia has everyone praying for Ukraine. It’s good that Dolly Parton used her fame and platform to discuss the chaos instead of brushing it under the rug. It takes courage to discuss something like that when all eyes are on you. Hopefully, all of the prayers for peace will fall on Vladimir Putin’s ears, and this conflict can end.