ABC’s ‘Celebration’ of Dolly Parton and Her ‘Eternal’ Contributions
Reba McEntire, Oprah Winfrey, Sabrina Carpenter and more joined to honor the country icon's life and legacy.
Dolly Parton passed away without a memorial, prompting the world to honor her in various ways. In honor of "9 to 5," Dolly Parton Day was observed on September 25. Artists performed her songs in concert, and Parton costumes were expected to be popular during Halloween. ABC aired a special on October 21, titled "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton."
The colorful set and graphics incorporated Parton's signature butterfly imagery, showcasing her multifaceted persona as a music superstar, global ambassador, vocal stylist, songwriter, entertainer, dreamer, and moral compass to many.
Reba McEntire remarked that Parton transcended her role as a singer or songwriter or entertainer. She became hope and possibility for a young girl with limited resources, who dared to dream about a brighter future. For those who felt different and wondered if they belonged, Parton made them feel welcome and seen.
A lineup of artists, including McEntire, Vince Gill, Ella Langley, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Kristin Chenoweth, Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Darius Rucker, and many others, joined forces to pay tribute to Parton's life, career, and philanthropic impact. The 14-song set list offered a comprehensive overview of her musical influences, ranging from mountain music to country efforts and crossover material, as well as spiritual themes that permeated her work.
The list of celebrities who paid homage to Parton included Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Sabrina Carpenter, Goldie Hawn, and U2's Bono. Bono recalled hearing Parton perform "Torn," a song on U2's upcoming album, Carnaval de Luz, which was set for release on November 13. He expressed that hearing her vocal was a rare, speechless experience. Bono remarked, "It was like she was singing herself to somewhere else."
For Jessica Nicholson, Parton's legacy encapsulated the essence of eternal love. She noted that Parton once told Bono, when their schedules didn't align, "Unfortunately, Bono, I have more love than time."
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