Garth Brooks on Hosting the ACM Awards With 'Goddess' Dolly Parton and If They'll Ever Duet (Exclusive)
09.05.2023 - 18:57
/ etonline.com
58th Academy of Country Music Awards with Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks spoke with ET's Rachel Smith in Nashville, where the two discussed the longtime country singer's upcoming turn as emcee for «country music's party of the year» and the fresh ink on his arm.«I never hosted in my life — I'm just trying to survive, OK,» Brooks says as he talks about taking the stage at the upcoming awards show, which will stream live on Prime Video from Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, May 11 starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
The singer explains that even though he's performed live in front of millions of fans, this is very different. «That's singing. I got a guitar to hide behind,» Brooks says, telling Smith that «this is speaking, OK, your role.
I can't do your role.»But luckily for Brooks, he's co-hosting alongside Parton, who returns after hosting last year's ceremony. «I'm nervous to stand next to her,» Brooks says, revealing how great it has been to work with another legend in the industry. «She's so approachable but yet she seems untouchable, right? Because, I mean, she's just a goddess, c'mon.» But no matter how big of a superstar Parton may be, Brooks says, «She's a regular person. So, I love that.
She makes it fun. [There's] no drama.» Though, he does joke that if there's anyone who is going to go off script during the show, it's Parton. «I can promise you whoever's writing the script just take the night off because she's gonna be all over the place,» he teases. Surprisingly, given how long both have worked in the industry and how many times they've bumped into each other at events, this is their first time collaborating.