CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton airs live on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The two-hour event takes place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
When and Where to Watch the Dolly Parton Tribute Special
The tribute follows Parton’s death on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Viewers can watch the broadcast live on television or stream it digitally, with next-day availability on Hulu and Disney+.
Who is Performing at the Nashville Event
The Country Music Association assembled a lineup spanning country music, bluegrass, and Broadway to honor Parton’s catalog and career. Performer announcements confirmed that Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, and Vince Gill will take the stage.
Additional artists on the bill include Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, and Zac Brown. Special guests Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are also scheduled to appear alongside a student ensemble from Belmont University.
Special Appearances and Entertainment Icons
Beyond the musical performances, several notable figures from film, music, and television are slated to make special appearances during the broadcast. Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts, and Oprah Winfrey will join the tribute to share personal stories and reflections on the late entertainer’s legacy.
The program incorporates archival footage alongside the live performances and surprise tributes from friends across the entertainment industry. Executive producer Robert Deaton oversees the live broadcast.
Proceeds Support Dolly Parton Imagination Library
In conjunction with the television special, the Country Music Association and Belmont University will make a donation from proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Founded by Parton in 1995, the early childhood book-gifting program mails free books monthly to children from birth to age five across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
General admission tickets for the live audience taping at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts are sold out, though the official event website lists limited premium experiences. Fans can stream the event live on ABC and Disney+ at 9 p.m. ET on October 21, 2026, or watch it the following day on Hulu.