JUST ANNOUNCED: CMA Is Bringing Dolly Parton’s Legacy to Television in a Two-Hour Tribute

Country music is about to come together for Dolly Parton in a way that is sure to be emotional.

The Country Music Association has announced a brand-new two-hour television special honoring Dolly, titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The live event will air Wednesday, October 21, on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.

And the title alone says so much.

A Celebration of Dolly’s Extraordinary Life

The CMA describes the special as a joyful and emotional celebration of Dolly as an artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian and entrepreneur whose music and generosity reached generations around the world.

Dolly died on August 25 at age 80 following what her family described as a brief battle with cancer. Her passing left an enormous void in country music, but the CMA says this special will focus on celebrating the remarkable life and legacy she left behind.

The program will combine live performances, archival footage and personal stories, giving viewers a chance to experience different chapters of Dolly’s incredible career and the impact she had far beyond music.

 

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And There’s Still One Big Question…

The performers for the special have not yet been announced.

That means fans are already left wondering who will step onto that stage to sing Dolly’s songs and share memories of the woman who influenced generations of artists.

The event will be filmed live at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, with Robert Deaton serving as executive producer.

CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said Dolly “belonged to the whole world,” while describing the tribute as a way for the country music community to say thank you to someone whose music touched so many people.

Robert Deaton also emphasized the responsibility of honoring Dolly’s story, music and the people who love her.

Dolly’s Legacy Will Help Children, Too

One of the most meaningful parts of the announcement is that the tribute will continue Dolly’s commitment to helping children.

CMA and Belmont University will donate proceeds from the event to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-gifting program that has sent hundreds of millions of free books to children since its launch.

So even in a celebration of her life, Dolly’s legacy of giving will continue.

Mark Your Calendar

“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton”

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026
📺 ABC + Disney+
⏰ 9–11 p.m. ET / 8–10 p.m. CT
📱 Hulu the following day
📍 Filmed live in Nashville at Belmont University

The performer lineup and additional details are still to come.

But one thing is already clear: Dolly’s music is coming back to the spotlight — and this time, an entire industry will be singing for her.