Country Stars Honor Dolly Parton in Star-Studded Tribute Special

Country music's biggest names and entertainment stars gathered in Nashville on Wednesday night for a major television tribute honoring the legendary Dolly Parton. The two-hour special, titled "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," was broadcast live from the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University, bringing together generations of artists to pay homage to the iconic singer.

The event took place roughly two months after Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Organized by the Country Music Association, the star-studded tribute featured musical performances, archival footage, and personal stories that retraced Parton's remarkable six-decade career in the entertainment industry.

Among the performers was Reba McEntire, who delivered a personal rendition of "He’s Alive." During the special, McEntire reflected on her decades-long friendship with Parton, recalling the first time they met at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977 when Parton unexpectedly took her performance slot. Rather than being disappointed, McEntire remembered being awestruck by Parton, stating, "My gosh, that’s probably what an angel just looks like right there."

Other prominent artists took the stage to reinterpret Parton's timeless catalog. Carrie Underwood delivered a powerful performance of "I Will Always Love You," while Lady A performed "Islands in the Stream." Additional musical contributions came from Kelsea Ballerini, Vince Gill alongside special guest Amy Grant, Ashley McBryde, Ella Langley, Brad Paisley, Sierra Hull, and Reba McEntire, among many others.

The tribute also featured appearances from figures outside the traditional country genre, including actors Kristen Bell and Kristin Chenoweth, as well as bluegrass musicians Béla Fleck and Molly Tuttle. The diverse lineup highlighted the widespread influence Parton held across various musical styles and entertainment fields throughout her lifetime.

Beyond celebrating her musical achievements, the special also highlighted Parton's lifelong generosity and philanthropic efforts. Proceeds from the event, supported by the CMA and Belmont University, benefited Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Founded by Parton in 1995, the global book-gifting nonprofit has provided more than 300 million free books to children worldwide.

Fans unable to watch the live broadcast on ABC and Disney+ can access the special on demand through streaming platforms such as Hulu and Disney+, ensuring that the celebration of her extraordinary legacy remains accessible to audiences nationwide.