The Country Music Association (CMA) is bringing together some of music’s biggest stars to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Dolly Parton with a two-hour television special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.
Taking place on Wednesday, October 21, the star-studded event will feature live performances, archival footage, personal stories and tributes honoring Parton, the country music icon whose influence on country music and philanthropy has spanned generations. Airing live before a sold-out audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, the special will celebrate Parton’s remarkable career and the songs that have become the soundtrack to millions of fans’ lives.
“Dolly Parton belonged to the whole world, but she was born of this industry, and this industry owes her a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot repay,” Sarah Trahern, Former CMA CEO, shared in a statement at the time of the event’s announcement. “As the organization built to serve and celebrate Country Music, honoring her legacy is not just an opportunity, it is our responsibility. This special is our way of saying thank you, on behalf of every artist, industry member and fan who found a piece of themselves in her music.”
Executive Producer Robert Deaton added, “Dolly gave Country Music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor. My hope is simply that we do right by her story, her music and the people who love her, so that this evening feels like the tribute my friend deserves.”
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton will featured heartfelt tribute performances from some of music’s biggest names, including Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown, with Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley joining as special guests.
Here’s everything you need to know about the tribute, including when to watch, who will perform and how the event will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT
Where: ABC and Disney+, with streaming on Hulu the following day
Location: Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Nashville, Tennessee
Cause: A portion of proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
How And When To Watch The Dolly Parton Tribute Special?
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton will air Wednesday, October 21, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET (8 to 10 p.m. CT) on ABC and Disney+. The special will be available to stream on Hulu the following day, Thursday, October 22.
The event will take place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville in front of a live audience.
Who Is Performing At The Dolly Parton CMA Tribute?
The two-hour special will feature a star-studded lineup of country stars and entertainers from across the music industry, including Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill, Zac Brown and more.
Special guests Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will also join the celebration. A Belmont University student ensemble is expected to participate in a performance, while additional surprise tributes from friends across the entertainment world will be featured throughout the program.
How Will the Tribute Support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
The celebration will also highlight one of Parton’s most meaningful philanthropic initiatives: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. In conjunction with the special, the Country Music Association and Belmont University will donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to the organization. Founded by Parton, the Imagination Library provides children with a free, age-appropriate book each month, helping foster early literacy and a lifelong love of reading. The program has reached millions of children, making books more accessible to families and encouraging young readers to explore their imaginations.
“Dolly Parton’s impact extends far beyond music. She represents creativity, generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to lifting others up, qualities that have inspired generations and resonate deeply with Belmont’s mission,” said Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University. “It was an honor for Belmont to partner with Dolly through the launch of DOLLY U and the world premiere of her musical at the Fisher Center. Now, it is a privilege to welcome artists, friends and fans from around the world to celebrate her extraordinary life and legacy from this stage in Nashville, honoring a woman whose love for Tennessee was woven into everything she did.”
Additionally, Disney is also supporting the Imagination Library and its mission to inspire children to imagine their possibilities.
Fans who want to support the initiative can learn more or make a donation HERE.
When Did Dolly Parton Die?
Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 after a short battle with cancer. The devastating news of her death was revealed via a video message on Parton’s social media by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he admitted in the clip. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness, but sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.” He continued, “Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, aunt Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”
In June of 2026, Dolly Parton made her final public appearance at the grand opening of her Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee.
Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children.
