Dolly Parton, Zach Williams Win Grammy Award for ‘There Was Jesus’
Zach Williams’ duet with Dolly Parton in “There Was Jesus” took home the Grammy Sunday night for best contemporary Christian music performance/song.
Williams gave “all glory, praise and honor to Him” in his Twitter announcement.
Humbled to have won “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song” for “There Was Jesus” today at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. Thank you to @DollyParton and everybody who was involved in making this song. All glory, praise, and honor to Him! pic.twitter.com/YEJ45aEteT
— Zach Williams (@zachwilliams) March 14, 2021
“So ‘There Was Jesus’ is a song that’s really just about the reflection. I’m looking back 20 years ago where I had no idea that God was in the moment, that He was even with me through some of the things I had going on in my life,” Williams said in a 2020 interview. “Looking back now I can see that He had His hand in everything I was doing. He was creating a way and honestly allowing me to live through some of these experiences.”
Famed country music legend Dolly Parton tweeted her “humble but proud” thanks.
Thank you Jesus, thank you @zachwilliams, and thank you to the GRAMMYs and all of our fans. I am very humbled but proud. pic.twitter.com/biXJ98iGcq
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 14, 2021
“Without God, obviously, none of this is possible,” Williams said after receiving the award. “We are so grateful for this opportunity. We want to thank Dolly Parton for being a champion from Day One in this song, thank our families, thank the academy. Hey, we love you guys, thanks so much.”
While the famed country music singer is no stranger to award nominations—she has over 50—this win marks her ninth Grammy. Williams takes home his second Grammy out of five nominations. After releasing in October 2019, “There Was Jesus” quickly rose to the top of the Billboard Christian charts, ranking No. 1 for 52 weeks—making it the first faith-based song to hit top charts for Dolly Parton.
“Having a No. 1 record at any time is a great thing, but having a No. 1 faith-based record during these crazy times is even greater,” she said of the achievement.
Others nominated for the Grammy included Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship for “The Blessing,” Lecrae for “Sunday Morning,” We The Kingdom for “Holy Water” and Tauren Wells for “Famous For (I Believe).” {eoa}
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