Dolly Parton Tribute Special Set by Country Music Association

The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced a special two-hour televised tribute to the late Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80. Titled "I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," the program will air live on ABC and Disney+ on October 21, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET and will be available for viewing on Hulu the following day. This televised event will take place a month before the 60th CMA Awards ceremony, set to air on November 18.

The CMA promises that the tribute will be an emotional celebration of Parton, acknowledging her roles as an artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian and entrepreneur. The tribute will be captured live at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville. Executive producer Robert Deaton expressed his gratitude, stating that they aim to honor Parton's legacy in a way that does justice to her story, music and the people who adore her.

Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, emphasized that honoring Parton's legacy is not just an opportunity, but a responsibility for the organization dedicated to serving and celebrating Country Music. The special will highlight the long-standing relationship between the CMA and Parton, including her victory as entertainer of the year at the CMA Awards in 1978, becoming the first woman to host the awards show in 1988, and winning the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

The tribute also reflects a strategic partnership between the CMA and Belmont University, a relationship that has grown through Parton's involvement, such as the 2025 world premiere of "DOLLY: A True Story" at the university.