Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and More to Honor Dolly Parton in Special Tribute
Some of country music’s biggest stars are coming together for a special night dedicated to the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.
The Country Music Association has announced the full lineup for “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” a two-hour live television tribute honoring the legendary country icon.
The star-studded event will feature performances from Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Zac Brown and many more.
The special is scheduled to air live on October 21 on ABC and Disney+. It will also be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
A Star-Studded Tribute to Dolly Parton
The lineup brings together artists from several generations of country music, along with performers from bluegrass, Broadway and beyond.
Confirmed performers include 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.
Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will also appear as special guests.
A student ensemble from Belmont University will also take part in the celebration as part of the school’s ongoing “Dolly U” program.
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A Night Dedicated to Dolly’s Legacy
The tribute comes after Dolly Parton’s death on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80.
The special will celebrate more than her music. It will also highlight her work as a songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian and entrepreneur.
Viewers can expect live performances, archival footage and personal stories that look back at the remarkable career of one of country music’s most influential figures.
The event will also feature surprise tributes from some of Dolly’s friends and longtime connections in the entertainment world.
The Special Will Benefit Dolly’s Imagination Library
The celebration will also continue Dolly Parton’s commitment to helping children.
CMA and Belmont University will donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Disney will also support the organization and its mission.
The Imagination Library has become one of Dolly’s most important charitable projects, providing free books to children and encouraging a love of reading from an early age.
When and Where to Watch
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” will air live on Wednesday, October 21, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
The special will be filmed in front of a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
It will also be available on Hulu the following day.
For country music fans, the event promises to be an emotional celebration of Dolly Parton’s extraordinary career and the lasting influence she had on generations of artists.
