Dolly Parton Tribute Special
CMA reveals star lineup including Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire for Dolly Parton tribute special.
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The expanded performer list includes Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull, among others not named in the summary.
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Organizers said additional surprise guests would be revealed during the broadcast; a separate account also promised surprise tributes from friends across the entertainment world.
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The Belmont student ensemble’s participation is tied to the university’s “Dolly U” program, which celebrates Parton’s work.
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The special is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. ET, and Robert Deaton is its executive producer.
The Country Music Association announced a star-studded two-hour tribute to Dolly Parton airing October 21 on ABC and Disney+. Taste of Country reports the special, titled "I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," will broadcast live from Belmont University's Fisher Center in Nashville at 9 p.m. ET, with proceeds supporting Parton's Imagination Library.
The lineup includes country superstars Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown, Vince Gill, and Little Big Town. K99 confirmed additional performers like Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, and Carly Pearce will also take the stage, with more surprise guests promised during the broadcast.
A-List Performers Honor Country Icon
The tribute brings together more than two dozen country music legends. Taste of Country reported the full roster includes Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Béla Fleck, and Ashley McBryde. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will appear as special guests alongside a Belmont student ensemble performing through the university's "Dolly U" program.
Special Will Stream on Multiple Platforms
The event airs live on ABC and Disney+ on October 21, then streams on Hulu the following day. K99 confirmed Robert Deaton serves as executive producer for the two-hour special. The venue choice—Belmont University—ties directly to Parton's ongoing relationship with the Nashville institution and its music programs.
Organizers promise additional surprise tributes from friends across the entertainment world will be revealed during the broadcast. The special supports Parton's Imagination Library, a nonprofit that mails free books to children nationwide to promote early literacy.
Why Dolly Deserves This Moment
Parton remains one of country music's most celebrated figures. Her songwriting legacy includes "I Will Always Love You"—made famous worldwide by Whitney Houston—plus hits like "Jolene" and "9 to 5." Beyond music, Parton has built schools, donated millions to causes, and become a cultural icon spanning generations.
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