Country music’s biggest stars are coming together with some of Hollywood’s most recognizable personalities for a special two-hour television celebration honoring Dolly Parton. With Carol Burnett, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, and numerous entertainment legends joining the tribute, the highly anticipated event promises a memorable evening dedicated to one of music’s most beloved figures.
Titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, the special is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the United States. The program brings together musicians, actors, television personalities, and longtime admirers to recognize Parton’s extraordinary contributions to entertainment and her lasting influence on generations of performers.
One of the most exciting aspects of the celebration is the participation of celebrities whose careers extend far beyond country music. Comedy legend Carol Burnett, U2 frontman Bono, and television icon Oprah Winfrey are among the famous personalities associated with the tribute, highlighting the remarkable reach of Parton’s influence.
Their involvement reflects how Parton became much more than a country music superstar. Over the decades, her humor, kindness, storytelling, and unmistakable personality helped her build connections with audiences across different generations, cultures, and entertainment industries.
The musical lineup is equally impressive, featuring country legends and contemporary stars who have been influenced by Parton’s recordings. Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Brad Paisley, and Carly Pearce are among the artists scheduled to participate in the celebration.
Other performers include Ashley McBryde, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Lady A, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Vince Gill, and Zac Brown. Their appearances will bring together different musical styles and generations, offering viewers an opportunity to hear familiar songs interpreted by some of today’s most recognizable voices.
The special will also feature performers from outside mainstream country music, including Kristin Chenoweth, Kristen Bell, Béla Fleck, Molly Tuttle, Ricky Skaggs, and Sierra Hull. The diverse lineup demonstrates the influence Parton’s songwriting has had across bluegrass, pop, musical theater, and traditional American music.
While the complete details of every performance have not been established, the event is expected to include distinctive musical arrangements and personal tributes. These moments will give participating artists an opportunity to celebrate Parton’s work while bringing their own interpretations to the songs that helped define her career.
Parton’s extraordinary catalog provides countless possibilities for an evening of memorable performances. Songs such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” remain among the most recognizable recordings in popular music, with messages that continue to resonate with listeners decades after their release.
Beyond the musical performances, the tribute will revisit important moments from Parton’s remarkable life. Archival footage and personal reflections are expected to highlight her journey from a modest childhood in East Tennessee to becoming an internationally celebrated singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
The celebration will also recognize Parton’s humanitarian legacy, particularly her commitment to children’s literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Country Music Association and Belmont University have announced a donation connected to the event benefiting the program, adding a meaningful charitable element to the evening.
The two-hour special is scheduled to air on ABC and Disney+ from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on October 21. Viewers who miss the original broadcast can look for streaming availability beginning October 22 on Hulu and Disney+, depending on their region and subscription access.
With Carol Burnett, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, and an extraordinary collection of country music stars taking part, the Dolly Parton tribute promises a celebration extending far beyond Nashville. Through powerful performances, personal memories, and heartfelt recognition, the special will honor the music, generosity, and enduring legacy of a woman whose influence continues to inspire millions around the world.
