Gabby Barrett admitted “it’s embarrassing to think about” the moment she met beloved country legend Dolly Parton.

Barrett met Parton at the 57th annual ACM Awards in March 2022. The “I Hope” hitmaker reminisced on that moment with the Academy of Country Music ahead of the milestone 60th show this year. She said as she watched herself introduce Kelly Clarkson to the stage to deliver a tribute to Parton, “I’m so hard on myself. I’m picking myself apart as I watch this.”

“I was so nervous. This was crazy, co-hosting with Dolly,” Barrett said. “I never thought that I would host, co-host, anything ever. I was always like, ‘I’m just going to stick to singing. I’m not gonna be the talker. I’m just gonna stick to singing.’ And you know what? It ended up great. I loved it, and it was so interesting seeing all the work that goes into it behind the scenes with hosting and what that looks like, and then also performing, and the night goes so fast. It was so much fun.

“This was the first time that I had met Dolly Parton, as well,” she continued. “I had never met her. I remember meeting her, and she was just so teeny tiny, but like this presence in the room. And I was overly excited, probably crushed her while I was hugging her — hugged her way too hard to where it’s embarrassing to think about — and she’s probably weirded out by me. I would be. But I just love her. And who doest? Right? And so, she was awesome. The whole experience was awesome. I would do it again. But this was really fun. The stadium was absolutely gigantic. I had never been to Allegiant Stadium [in Las Vegas, Nevada] before, and I felt like a little ant in the stadium. But it was really fun. Definitely very memorable, for sure.”

This year, 16-time ACM winner Reba McEntire is returning to host Country Music’s Party of the Year for her 18th time, more than any other artist. The show will take place again at the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. So far, reigning Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Eric Church have been confirmed as performers. Wilson, Ella Langley, Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton are among most-nominated artists. See the full list of ACM nominations here. Additional performers and presenters will be announced at a later date.

The 60th ACM Awards will kick off at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, May 8.

Anne Hudson