Dolly Parton Celebrated in Star-Studded Country Music TV Special
Country music is preparing for a major television tribute to one of its most beloved figures, 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 event honoring Parton’s extraordinary career and legacy.
The special will air live on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with the program becoming available on Hulu the following day. It will be filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
A Star-Studded Tribute
The celebration will bring together some of the biggest names in country music and entertainment. The announced 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 appear as special guests, while a Belmont University student ensemble will also take part in the celebration.
The CMA has also promised additional surprise tributes from friends and figures connected to Parton's remarkable career.
Celebrating Dolly Parton's Musical Legacy
The television event is designed to celebrate much more than Parton's success as a singer. The program will look at her achievements as a songwriter, entertainer, entrepreneur and humanitarian.
Through live performances, archival footage and personal stories, viewers will be taken through different stages of Parton's journey—from her humble beginnings in Tennessee to becoming an internationally recognized cultural icon.
Her songs have crossed generations and musical boundaries, making her influence particularly significant in country music. Artists from different eras continue to draw inspiration from her songwriting, distinctive voice and storytelling style.
A Tribute With a Humanitarian Purpose
The celebration will also highlight Parton's commitment to helping children and promoting literacy.
The CMA and Belmont University are planning to donate proceeds from the event to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the literacy initiative associated with the Dollywood Foundation. The program provides books to children and has become one of Parton's most recognized philanthropic efforts.
Disney is also supporting the Imagination Library, adding a charitable dimension to the television celebration.
Nashville Provides the Perfect Setting
The tribute will take place at Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, a city closely associated with country music.
Belmont has previously worked with Parton through its “Dolly U” educational initiative, which gives students opportunities to learn about entertainment, media and creative industries. The university also hosted the world premiere of the musical “Dolly: A True Original Musical” in 2025.
The involvement of Belmont students in the television special gives the event an additional connection to the next generation of performers and creative professionals.
A Celebration of a Lasting Legacy
Dolly Parton's influence extends far beyond the country music charts. Her career has included music, film, television, business and philanthropy, while her distinctive personality and songwriting have made her one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world.
The upcoming CMA special offers fellow artists an opportunity to celebrate the songs and values that made Parton such an important figure in American entertainment.
With performances from established country stars, younger artists, special guests and surprise appearances, the October 21 broadcast is expected to be both a musical celebration and an emotional look at Parton's enduring legacy.
Conclusion
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” promises to bring together Nashville's country music community for a major tribute to a legendary performer and songwriter.
With a large lineup of artists, archival material, personal stories and a charitable connection to the Imagination Library, the two-hour event will celebrate not only Dolly Parton's music but also the influence she has had on generations of fans and artists.
For country music fans, the October 21 television special will be an important opportunity to remember and celebrate one of the genre's most influential figures.