20+ Country Stars Close Out Dolly Parton Tribute With “I Will Always Love You”
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More than a dozen country stars joined forces to perform an emotional farewell to beloved musical icon Dolly Parton.
Missed the finale? The full two-hour special is streaming on both Hulu and Disney+.
On Wednesday, October 21, country music stars came together for CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration Of Dolly Parton. Held live at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the special honored Dolly’s remarkable life and career through a combination of live musical tributes, archival footage, and heartfelt personal anecdotes.
The evening featured an impressive roster of performers, including Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Ashley McBryde, Lady A, Darius Rucker, and more.
Beyond celebrating Dolly’s enduring impact on music and entertainment, the event also supported a cause close to her heart. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program and the flagship initiative of The Dollywood Foundation.
Stars Join Forces For Emotional Finale Performance On Dolly Parton Special
The evening was heavy with emotion, as Dolly’s friends, colleagues, and collaborators remembered her through song. The final performance of the night was delivered by Carrie Underwood, who choked back tears as she sang Dolly’s “I Will Always Love You.”
Originally released in 1973, Dolly wrote the song as a farewell to her business partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner, expressing her gratitude but also her decision to pursue a solo career. The lyrics still resonate with listeners five decades later.
“I hope life treats you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
And I wish you joy
And happiness
But above all of this
I wish you love
And I will always love you”
Gradually, the full lineup of musicians and singers joined Carrie on stage and lent their voices to the iconic ballad. The emotion of the moment was palpable and created the perfect ending to a night in memory of one of country music’s most enduring stars.
Watch the final performance from CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration Of Dolly Parton in the video below.
Every Performance From The Dolly Parton Tribute
- Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Molly Tuttle, And Béla Fleck Celebrate Dolly Parton’s Contributions To Folk Music
- Vince Gill & Friends Deliver Tear-Jerking Tribute To Dolly Parton During CMA TV Special
- Ella Langley Honors Dolly Parton With Unforgettable TV Performance Of “Jolene”
- Ashley McBryde Keeps Dolly Parton’s Story Alive With Moving Performance Of “Coat Of Many Colors”
- Darius Rucker Unearths Unexpected Dolly Parton Classic At CMA Tribute
- Carly Pearce And Kristin Chenoweth Honor Dolly Parton With Energetic “9 To 5” Tribute
- Lainey Wilson Delivers Spunky Dolly Parton Tribute At CMA Special
- Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton With Emotional CMA Special Performance
- Little Big Town Stuns With “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning” During Dolly Parton Tribute
- Carrie Underwood Breaks Down While Singing “I Will Always Love You” During Dolly Parton Tribute
- Brad Paisley & Sierra Hull Honor Dolly Parton With Tender “When I Get Where I’m Going” Duet
- Lukas Nelson & Lainey Wilson Join Forces For Heartfelt Dolly Parton Tribute
- Zac Brown Honors Dolly Parton With Emotional Performance Of Their Duet “Butterfly”
- Lady A Channels Kenny & Dolly With Playful Rendition Of “Islands In The Stream”
