How to Watch Dolly Parton’s Star-Studded CMA Tribute Concert

Country music is preparing for an unforgettable night in honor of Dolly Parton, with Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, and an incredible lineup of stars coming together for a special celebration of the legendary singer’s life and music. Fans who want to be part of this emotional musical event will soon have their chance, and there are several ways to watch.

The Country Music Association is bringing together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment for CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The special will feature live performances, archival footage, and personal stories celebrating Dolly’s remarkable career and the influence she has had on generations of artists.

For fans who have grown up listening to Dolly’s songs, this promises to be a particularly meaningful celebration of one of country music’s most beloved icons.

When and Where to Watch the Dolly Parton Tribute

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 21, when CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton is scheduled to air live on ABC and stream on Disney+.

The two-hour special is scheduled for 9–11 p.m. Eastern Time and 8–10 p.m. Central Time. Viewers should check their local listings and streaming availability for the applicable broadcast details.

The event will take place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of the ongoing partnership between the university and the Country Music Association.

The evening is designed to celebrate Dolly through the music she created, the artists she inspired, and the memories that have made her such an enduring figure in American entertainment.

Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson Lead the Star-Studded Lineup

One of the biggest reasons fans are excited about the special is its impressive roster of performers. Dolly’s influence stretches across generations and musical styles, and the lineup reflects just how far her legacy reaches.

Among the country stars scheduled to perform are Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson. Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs will also take the stage to honor the legendary singer.

The lineup includes many more familiar names, making this a celebration that brings together established country icons and artists representing the genre’s newer generation.

The full announced lineup includes:

• Reba McEntire
• Carrie Underwood
• Ella Langley
• Lainey Wilson
• Vince Gill
• Ricky Skaggs
• Brad Paisley
• Ashley McBryde
• Lady A
• Darius Rucker
• Carly Pearce
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Little Big Town
• Molly Tuttle
• Zac Brown
• Sierra Hull
• Lukas Nelson

Special appearances are also expected from Brad Paisley’s wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, gospel music star Amy Grant, and entertainers Kristen Bell and Kristin Chenoweth.

With so many celebrated performers involved, the special offers an opportunity to hear Dolly’s music honored by artists whose own careers have been shaped by the songs, storytelling, and generosity that define her legacy.

Why This Tribute Means So Much to Country Music

Dolly Parton’s influence goes far beyond the charts. Throughout her career, she has become known for her songwriting, distinctive voice, humor, generosity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Songs such as “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” have become part of music history, reaching audiences well beyond traditional country music.

Her songwriting has inspired generations of performers, while her charitable work has made a lasting impact on families and children. The tribute aims to bring those different parts of her legacy together through performances and personal stories.

Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, explained the significance of the event in a statement:

“As the organization built to serve and celebrate country music, honoring her legacy is not just an opportunity; it is our responsibility. This special is our way of saying thank you, on behalf of every artist, industry member and fan who found a piece of themselves in her music.”

That message captures the spirit of the celebration: a chance for the country music community to express its gratitude to an artist whose work has touched so many lives.

The Tribute Will Also Support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

The special is about more than music. Proceeds from the event will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the early-childhood book-gifting program founded through The Dollywood Foundation.

The program provides books to young children, helping families encourage reading and a love of learning from an early age.

It is a fitting part of the celebration because Dolly’s charitable work has long been an important part of her legacy. By supporting the Imagination Library, the event connects her artistic achievements with her commitment to helping future generations.

For many fans, that may be one of the most meaningful aspects of the evening.

What If You Miss the Live Broadcast?

If you cannot watch the special live on October 21, there is another option.

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton is scheduled to become available on Hulu the following day, October 22.

That means viewers who miss the original broadcast can still catch the performances and stories afterward. Streaming availability and subscription requirements may vary by location.

Fans can also watch the official trailer ahead of the event to get a preview of the emotional tributes and the celebration planned for the evening.

A Night to Celebrate an Extraordinary Legacy

From Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood to Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, and many more, the artists gathering for this special represent the remarkable reach of Dolly Parton’s music.

The performances, archival footage, and personal memories are intended to celebrate a career that has helped define country music while continuing to inspire artists and listeners around the world.

Whether you have followed Dolly since her earliest hits or discovered her music more recently, this tribute offers a chance to revisit the songs and stories that have made her such an enduring presence.

How to watch: Tune in to ABC or stream on Disney+ on Wednesday, October 21, from 9–11 p.m. ET / 8–10 p.m. CT. If you miss the live event, look for it on Hulu the following day.

Be sure to check the official listings for the latest broadcast and streaming details before the special begins.