Country music’s biggest stars are coming together for an extraordinary celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton. The highly anticipated two-hour television special promises unforgettable performances, heartfelt memories, and emotional tributes to one of the most beloved entertainers in music history.
Officially titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, the special will air Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The event will bring together legendary performers, contemporary country stars, and musicians from several genres to celebrate Parton’s extraordinary influence on the entertainment industry.
The tribute carries particular emotional significance following Parton’s passing on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Her loss left an enormous void in country music, but the upcoming celebration will focus on the remarkable joy, creativity, generosity, and inspiration she brought to millions of people throughout her career.
The event will take place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee. The venue will welcome a live audience as some of the industry’s most recognizable performers gather to honor the woman whose songs and storytelling helped shape generations of country music.
Among the biggest names confirmed for the celebration are Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carly Pearce. Each artist represents a different chapter of country music’s evolution, reflecting the remarkable influence Parton maintained throughout her decades-long career.
The lineup also includes Ashley McBryde, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Lady A, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Vince Gill, and Zac Brown. Their participation promises a diverse collection of musical interpretations, bringing together established stars and newer voices inspired by Parton’s legendary recordings.
Fans can also look forward to performances from Béla Fleck, Molly Tuttle, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Kristen Bell, and Kristin Chenoweth. The inclusion of bluegrass musicians and performers from outside traditional country music highlights how far Parton’s influence extended beyond Nashville.
Adding another special element to the evening, Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will make guest appearances. A student ensemble from Belmont University is also scheduled to perform, while organizers have teased additional surprise tributes from friends and entertainers connected to Parton’s remarkable career.
The two-hour program will feature more than live music. Archival footage and personal stories will help trace Parton’s journey from her childhood in the mountains of East Tennessee to becoming an internationally recognized singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and humanitarian.
Throughout her career, Parton created an extraordinary collection of music that continues to connect with listeners of all ages. Songs such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” helped establish her reputation as one of the most gifted storytellers in popular music.
The celebration will also recognize Parton’s remarkable commitment to helping others. In connection with the special, the Country Music Association and Belmont University will make a donation from the event’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the children’s literacy program that has provided hundreds of millions of free books to young readers.
For viewers wondering how to watch, the special will air live on Wednesday, October 21, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, on ABC and Disney+. Those unable to watch the original broadcast can stream the celebration beginning Thursday, October 22, on Hulu and Disney+, where available.
With an incredible lineup of country legends, rising stars, emotional performances, and surprise tributes, the Dolly Parton celebration is shaping up to be one of country music’s most memorable television events of the year. More than a concert, the special will honor a woman whose extraordinary music, kindness, and generosity changed countless lives, ensuring that her remarkable legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
