Taylor Swift won the most coveted honor at MTV’s VideoMusic Awards on Sunday with video of the year for her showgirl-inspired “TheFate of Ophelia”, which she dedicated to the late Dolly Parton.

“Ophelia” wasthe first single off Swift’s 2025 “The Life of a Showgirl” album. As sheaccepted the VMA honor, she praised Parton as “the ultimate showgirl.”

“I think that wewere all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time,” Swiftsaid on stage in downtown Los Angeles.

Parton, ⁠an award-winning country singer, songwriter and businesswoman,died in August at the age of 80.

Earlier, Swiftwas awarded the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. She has written anddirected 18 videos over her career including one for her new single “PatientZero,” which she debuted during the ceremony.

“The main reasonI love writing and directing music videos so much is because you, the fans,make it so much, so much fun,” Swift said. “You actually care about what we’remaking.”

The VMAs werebroadcast live on CBS and MTV and streamed on ⁠Paramount+.Winners in the top categories are selected by fan votes.

In other awards,Madonna was named artist of the year and her duet with Carpenter, “Bring YourLove,” was crowned best collaboration.

Madonna said sheenjoyed working with Carpenter because their work styles complemented oneanother.

“When I show uplate, she ⁠shows up early,” Madonna said, addingthat both share the old-school habit of writing lyrics on pieces of paper. “It’sbeen wonderful working with you, and I love this song,” she said.

Lisa, a member ⁠of the group Blackpink, won the VMA for best pop video forher solo effort “Dream.” Sporting a black outfit with large white fringesleeves, she spoke through tears as ⁠she thanked her fans, known as Lillies.

“I wouldn’t be herewithout you guys,” she said as she held the VMA Moon Person trophy. “Thank youso much for your love and support.”