ABC and the Country Music Association have officially announced a star-studded lineup of 20 performers for a major live television tribute honoring country music icon Dolly Parton. The two-hour special, titled “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” is scheduled to air on October 21 from Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
The highly anticipated broadcast will showcase a diverse array of musical talents paying homage to Parton’s legendary career. The newly confirmed performance roster features prominent country stars including Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, and Little Big Town.
Additional artists slated to take the stage include Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Carly Pearce, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, and the Zac Brown Band. The production will also feature special guest appearances by Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
Celebrating a Multifaceted Legacy Across Genres
Executive producer Robert Deaton is helming the special project. The show aims to highlight Parton’s profound impact across multiple musical landscapes. Performances throughout the evening will span country, bluegrass, and Broadway genres. These acts reflect the wide-ranging cultural footprint of the “Jolene” singer-songwriter.
The broadcast will also incorporate educational roots by bringing a student ensemble from Belmont University to the stage. This collaboration highlights the institution’s “Dolly U” educational program. The program centers heavily on Parton’s enduring career, business acumen, and entrepreneurial legacy.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
Fans can tune in for the live broadcast on October 21. Originating directly from Nashville’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the event promises unique musical arrangements and personal tributes. It will also feature a look back at major milestones in country music history.
Preparations continue under Deaton’s production team. The special stands as a definitive television music event of the autumn season, uniting generations of artists to honor a true living legend.
