Dolly Parton’s influence on country music will take center stage in a special tribute bringing together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Nearly two months after the world mourned the loss of the country music icon, artists will gather in Nashville to celebrate her career, her music and the impact she has made on generations of fans.
Titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, the two-hour special will air on Wednesday, October 21, with performances and tributes honoring the legendary singer. The event will be filmed before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
Who will be performing?
The lineup brings together performers from country music, bluegrass, Broadway and other parts of the entertainment world. Confirmed performers include Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown.
Special guests Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will also join the celebration. With artists from different generations taking part, the event will highlight how Parton’s music and career have reached far beyond country music.
What else can viewers expect?
Viewers can also expect surprise tributes from some of Parton’s friends and longtime connections in the entertainment industry. The special will include a student ensemble from Belmont University, representing the school’s Dolly U programming. The initiative gives students opportunities to learn from Parton’s career, creative work and success as an entrepreneur.
Beyond celebrating her music, the event will honor Parton’s commitment to helping others and inspiring young people. Her Imagination Library, which encourages children to develop a love of reading, will also benefit from the tribute. The Country Music Association and Belmont University plan to donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to the program. Fans can also contribute directly through the Imagination Library’s official donation link.
How to watch ‘CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton’
For viewers who want to watch the celebration, the two-hour special airs Wednesday, October 21, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ in the United States and internationally. The special will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
With an extensive lineup of performers, special appearances and a tribute to one of country music’s most influential figures, the event promises to celebrate the songs and legacy that have made Dolly Parton a beloved name across generations.