Dolly Parton is getting honored in a very special way. The BMI Foundation has renamed their annual Nashville Songwriting Scholarship in her honor. The award will now be known as the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award, and will be handed out annually with the aspiring songwriters chosen from a nationwide competition.

The organization will also create The Dolly Parton Music Fund, which will not only underwrite the annual award, but fund initiatives to support music programs in schools.

“I know how personal and important songwriting is to those that have the talent, and to all the others that enjoy those that have it. I’m proud to be part of a program that will help support songwriting in any way possible,” Dolly shares. “I have been with BMI since I published my first song as a child, so of course I’m very proud and honored to have a BMI Songwriters Award made in my honor.”

The first Dolly Parton Songwriters Award will be handed out next spring. Applications will be accepted starting in October.

Source: Music Row