CMA Prepares Star-Studded Live TV Special Honoring Country Icon Dolly Parton

The Country Music Association (CMA) has officially announced a special two-hour television event, "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," set to pay tribute to the legendary artist who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. This celebratory special will air live on Wednesday, October 21, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with international availability on Disney+ and next-day streaming on Hulu. The timing positions this significant event nearly a month before the 60th annual CMA Awards, scheduled for November 18.

The CMA promises an experience that will be a "joyful, emotional celebration" of Dolly Parton's multifaceted career and life. The special will honor her indelible impact as an artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, whose music and generous spirit touched countless generations globally, originating from the mountains of east Tennessee. The tribute will be brought to life through a rich tapestry of live performances, poignant archival footage, and intimate personal stories.

Robert Deaton is executive producing the special, which will be filmed live at the prestigious Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville. Deaton expressed profound honor in giving back some of the heart Dolly gave to Country Music, stating his hope to do justice to her story, music, and the people who love her. Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the industry's deep debt of gratitude to Parton. Trahern highlighted that honoring Dolly's legacy is not merely an opportunity but a responsibility for the CMA, an organization dedicated to serving and celebrating Country Music, acting on behalf of every artist, industry member, and fan she inspired.

Dolly Parton's historical ties with the CMA are extensive and groundbreaking. In 1978, she became only the second woman, following Loretta Lynn, to win Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards. A decade later, in 1988, she broke new ground as the first woman to solo-host the awards show. Her enduring legacy was further recognized in 2016 when she became the first woman to receive the esteemed Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during the telecast. This upcoming CMA special follows a recent, effective tribute to Parton at the Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, which featured her Steel Magnolias co-star Sally Field reminiscing and Reba McEntire performing Parton’s “Appalachian Memories.” Anticipation for similar tributes on other upcoming awards shows remains high.

The production of this special also signifies a strategic partnership between the CMA and Belmont University. This collaboration is part of a growing relationship between Belmont University and Dolly Parton, which previously included the 2025 world premiere of “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Furthermore, the partnership launched DOLLY U, an innovative educational program designed to provide students with invaluable hands-on opportunities across entertainment, media, and creative industries, allowing them to collaborate with professional artists, producers, and industry leaders to realize Parton's vision.

In a continuation of Parton's philanthropic legacy, the CMA and Belmont University will make a donation from the proceeds of the special to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This initiative is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of reading by providing millions of children with a free book each month. Additionally, Disney is lending its support to the Imagination Library, further amplifying its mission to empower children to envision their limitless possibilities. More details regarding performers, ticket information, and additional partners for the special will be disclosed in the coming weeks.