Introduction:
The stars will come together on Wednesday, Oct. 21 to remember the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.
Some of country music’s biggest names are coming together to celebrate the life of Dolly Parton and her legendary career. Today, the Country Music Association announced that star-powered lineup of artists who have been tapped to perform in “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” a two-hour live television tribute to Dolly Parton.
After losing such an important figure to the world on August 25, 2026, the Nashville community has shared plans to unite artists from multiple generations and genres in her honor. The lineup includes a mix of fellow Country Music Hall of Fame members, country music superstars, and celebrated bluegrass acts, Broadway and beyond, all with the goal of remembering the lasting impact Parton has had throughout her career.
The news broke on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” revealing performers Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown. Additionally, with Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will join as special guests.
With the show being filmed at Belmont University, viewers will also see a student ensemble take the stage, as a way to represent the university’s ongoing “Dolly U” programming that seeks to engage students in learning from Parton’s career, artistry and entrepreneurial legacy.
The special will also feature surprise tributes from some of Dolly Parton’s friends and longtime connections throughout the entertainment industry.
The magic of “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” will unfold on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (9:00-11:00 PM/EDT) on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally. Filmed before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the special will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
As part of the special, the CMA and Belmont University will donate a portion of the proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Disney will also support the organization and its mission to inspire children to dream big and develop a lifelong love for reading.