TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT: Country Music’s Biggest Stars Unite for an Emotional Dolly Parton Tribute the World Won’t Forget

Tonight, country music comes together to celebrate the extraordinary life, unforgettable songs, and generous spirit of Dolly Parton in a two-hour television event that promises powerful performances, personal memories, and emotional moments fans won’t want to miss.

The woman whose voice, songwriting, and larger-than-life personality touched generations of music lovers will be honored by some of the biggest names in entertainment. From country legends who have known Dolly for decades to younger stars who grew up inspired by her, the evening will celebrate the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.

Titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, the special brings together an impressive lineup of performers for a heartfelt tribute featuring live music, archival footage, and personal stories about Dolly’s extraordinary journey.

A Star-Studded Lineup Is Coming Together to Honor Dolly

The list of performers is packed with familiar names, bringing together different generations and styles of music to celebrate one of country music’s most beloved icons.

Among the announced performers are Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, and Brad Paisley.

The lineup also includes Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, Lady A, Little Big Town, Zac Brown, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Lukas Nelson, Béla Fleck, and more.

Special appearances from Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are also planned, alongside performances featuring Kristin Chenoweth and other celebrated entertainers.

With so many talented artists coming together, the special offers a chance to hear Dolly’s music celebrated by performers who understand just how deeply her songs have influenced country music and beyond.

More Than Music: A Celebration of Dolly’s Lasting Legacy

Dolly Parton has always been more than a superstar. Alongside her decades of hit songs, she has built a legacy through her songwriting, business ventures, generosity, and commitment to helping children.

That spirit will also be reflected in tonight’s event.

Proceeds from the special will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-gifting program that helps put books into the hands of young children and encourages a lifelong love of reading.

It is a fitting way to honor an entertainer whose influence has reached far beyond the stage. Through her music and charitable work, Dolly has made an impact on countless lives.

The tribute will also look back at the moments, songs, and milestones that helped make her one of the most recognizable and influential figures in American entertainment.

When Does the Dolly Parton Tribute Air?

Here are the details fans need to know before tuning in.

• Special: CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton
• Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
• Time: 9–11 p.m. Eastern / 8–10 p.m. Central
• Where to watch: ABC and Disney+ in the United States and internationally
• Streaming afterward: Available on Hulu the following day

The two-hour event will be filmed before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee.

Viewers who cannot watch live can catch up when the special becomes available on Hulu the next day.

A Night for Every Dolly Parton Fan

For longtime fans, the tribute is an opportunity to revisit the songs and memories that have accompanied them through the years. For younger listeners, it is a chance to discover why Dolly’s influence continues to inspire artists across generations.

Her songs have been recorded, performed, and cherished by countless musicians, but her greatest legacy may be the connection she created with people through her music, kindness, and unmistakable personality.

Tonight’s celebration brings those connections together in one place, with country music stars and special guests honoring an artist whose influence cannot be measured by awards or chart positions alone.

One thing is certain: Dolly Parton’s music has touched generations, and tonight’s tribute gives fans another opportunity to celebrate the songs and the woman behind them.

Will you be tuning in to watch the Dolly Parton tribute tonight? Which artist are you most excited to see perform in her honor?