Dolly Parton Tribute Special Set by Country Music Association

The Country Music Association is set to honor the late Dolly Parton with a two-hour live television special. Titled "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," the tribute will be broadcast on ABC and Disney+ on October 21, with a Hulu release scheduled for the following day. According to organizers, the program will chronicle Parton's extraordinary path from her childhood in the mountains of East Tennessee to global fame, weaving together live performances, rare archival clips, and personal anecdotes that showcase her multifaceted identity as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.

Parton passed away in August at the age of 80 after what her representatives described as a "brief battle" with cancer. The Country Music Association, a Nashville-based trade organization founded in 1958 to support and promote the genre, views the tribute as a duty rather than a choice. "Dolly Parton belonged to the whole world, but she was born of this industry, and this industry owes her a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot repay," said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. "As the organization built to serve and celebrate country music, honoring her legacy is not just an opportunity; it is our responsibility." For context, the CMA has previously produced memorial tributes for other country icons, but this marks one of the few times the organization has dedicated a full live special to a single artist's legacy.

Robert Deaton, the special's executive producer, echoed that sentiment. "Dolly gave country music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor," Deaton remarked. "My hope is simply that we do right by her story, her music and the people who love her, so that this evening feels like the tribute my friend deserves." The live event will take place at Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, a venue known for hosting major musical and cultural events. Belmont University, located in the heart of Music City, has long been a training ground for country music professionals, making it a fitting backdrop for the celebration.

Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones noted that Parton's influence reached far beyond the recording studio. "Dolly Parton's impact extends far beyond music. She represents creativity, generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to lifting others up, qualities that have inspired generations and resonate deeply with Belmont's mission," Jones said. In addition to the tribute itself, CMA and Belmont will direct a portion of the proceeds to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the flagship initiative of The Dollywood Foundation. Launched by Parton in 1995, the Imagination Library is now the world's leading early childhood book-gifting program, delivering free books to children across multiple countries. This enduring project reflects her lifelong dedication to education and philanthropy—a legacy that, according to literacy experts, has likely put millions of books into the hands of young readers who might otherwise have none.