On October 21, 2026, Nashville will host a celebration of one of music's most enduring icons. The Country Music Association (CMA) and ABC have unveiled the star-studded lineup for the two-hour live television special, *“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton”*.
A Gathering of Legends in Nashville
Filmed before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the tribute brings together a massive array of talent. The confirmed roster includes country superstars such as Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Brad Paisley. Other notable performers include Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker, and Lady A, all set to perform Parton’s legendary hits.
The lineup spans multiple genres and generations, featuring Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth and bluegrass virtuosos like Béla Fleck and Molly Tuttle. Special guests Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are also scheduled to appear. The project is executive produced by Robert Deaton.
Supporting the Imagination Library
Beyond the musical celebration, the event serves a philanthropic purpose. Proceeds from the special will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Founded by Parton in 1995 to honor her father’s legacy, the program has gifted over 300 million books to children across the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Belmont University students will also be featured in the performance, reflecting the university's 'Dolly U' initiative, which teaches students about Parton’s career, artistry, and entrepreneurial success.
Global Broadcast Details
The special airs Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally. It will be available for streaming the next day on Hulu. In addition to the musical performances, the CMA has teased several surprise tributes from Parton’s friends across the entertainment industry.
The Power of Dolly Parton Tributes
Dolly Parton’s influence on modern music remains immense, making her one of the most requested subjects for tribute performances worldwide. Her catalog of hits provides a perfect foundation for high-quality live experiences at festivals and theaters, as evidenced by this massive CMA production.
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