Reba McEntire honored her longtime friend and fellow country music icon Dolly Parton with a stirring performance of Parton’s “He’s Alive” during CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton on Wednesday evening (Oct. 21).
Taking the stage at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, McEntire delivered a moving rendition of the gospel-inspired track, joined by the Belmont University Choir. The performance also paid homage to Parton’s legendary 1989 CMA Awards appearance, widely remembered as one of the most iconic moments in country music history.
Donning a stunning white-and-silver gown featuring a structured collar, long sleeves and layers of dramatic fringe, McEntire began the performance alongside the band, allowing the song’s powerful message of faith to take center stage.
As the performance unfolded, McEntire commanded the stage with her unmistakable vocals before welcoming the Belmont University Choir to join her for the song’s final moments. The choir’s entrance elevated the performance to the next level. Together, McEntire and the choir delivered the song’s triumphant closing lyrics, singing, “He’s alive (he’s alive), yes he’s alive (he’s alive) / Oh, he’s alive and I’m forgiven / Heaven’s gates are open wide.”
McEntire brought a bold pop of color to the red carpet, stepping out in a striking green jacket paired with black pants, knee-high boots and Western-inspired jewelry.
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, 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 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. 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.
