Kelsea Ballerini honored the late Dolly Parton with a heartfelt performance of “Here You Come Again” during CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton on Wednesday evening (Oct. 21), celebrating the timeless music and legacy of the country music icon.
Taking the stage at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, Ballerini delivered a special rendition of one of Parton’s beloved hits as part of the star-studded tribute honoring the legendary singer-songwriter nearly two months after her passing at age 80.
Dressed in a dazzling silver rhinestone gown and fringe shawl, reminiscent of Parton’s original 1977 music video look, Ballerini took the stage for an energetic tribute to Parton, inviting the audience to join her in celebrating the country legend she affectionately called their “Tennessee Queen.”
“All you got to do is smile that smile/ And there go all my defenses/ Just leave it up to you and in a little while/ You’re messin’ up my mind and fillin’ up my senses,” Ballerini sang on the chorus of the 1977 Parton hit.
Delivering a spirited rendition of Parton’s 1977 hit, Ballerini showcased her vocals before closing out the performance with a heartfelt message: “We love you, Miss Dolly.”
Originally released in 1977 and written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, “Here You Come Again” became one of Parton’s signature songs, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Ballerini stunned on the red carpet in an elegant, all-white, form-fitting satin gown from Bronx and Banco’s Spring 2026 bridal collection. The draped design featured a bateau neckline, an open back, a short train and dramatic bell sleeves trimmed with feathers. She completed the sophisticated look with a sleek updo and long diamond earrings.
Ahead of the tribute, Ballerini shared a heartfelt message for Parton, expressing how deeply she is missed and imagining the joy she would feel watching the celebration. “Ms. Dolly Parton, we love you so much and you are deeply missed,” Ballerini shared ahead of her performance. “And I know that tonight you are going to be watching this and smiling and celebrating with us. And thank you for all of the love and magic and butterflies that you continue to give us.”
Ballerini also reflected on Parton’s impact beyond music and recalled a childhood memory of seeing the country icon in person while growing up near Dollywood in East Tennessee. “To me, Dolly Parton is so much more than just her music. Her legacy is all of the activism she did, all of the things that made people feel unified and celebrated and helped people see each other. I think she was just one of the biggest connectors that the world had. And to me, I remember obviously growing up with her music, but growing up near Dollywood. And one year I got to go to the Christmas parade and she was there and I about how to come apart because she was one of those people that I didn’t think was actually a real person.”
The artist went on to describe Parton as a magical presence and a trailblazer who challenged expectations. “I thought she was like everyone’s fairy godmother and to see her in person was pretty magical. I think Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic and legendary obviously artists and women, but I think she was a trailblazer before we really understood that that can mean more than one thing. You can be a trailblazer and be sparkly too. And I know for me that means a lot.”
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton also featured heartfelt tribute performances from 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 special appearances by Amy Grant, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Bono of U2, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and more.
The two-hour television special aired live on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET (8 to 10 p.m. CT) on ABC and Disney+, bringing together a star-studded lineup in front of a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will also be made available to stream on Hulu on Thursday, October 22.
The celebration comes nearly two months after the passing of Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on January 19, 1946, in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Parton rose from humble beginnings to become one of country music’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, known for timeless hits such as “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as her distinctive voice, ability to unite people through music and generous spirit.
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton also highlighted Parton’s extraordinary career, enduring influence on country music and remarkable philanthropic legacy, including her work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. A portion of the event’s proceeds benefited the organization, which provides free books to children from birth to age 5.
