Dolly Parton’s CMA Tribute Concert: Every Performance & How To Watch The Replay

Share This Article

Dolly Parton honored with CMA Television special (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)

On Wednesday, October 21st, stars gathered to deliver an unforgettable televised tribute to Dolly Parton.

Missed the show? CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton is streaming now on Hulu and Disney+.

The Country Music Association has thoughtfully curated CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton to celebrate the legendary musician’s life and career through live performances, archival footage, and personal stories.

Dolly’s impact on the music industry is immeasurable. In addition to her 3,000+ songs written and 100 million records sold worldwide, she inspired countless individuals over her 60-year career.

As part of an ongoing partnership between CMA and Nashville’s Belmont University, the special tribute concert was hosted live at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Imagination Library, the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program and the flagship initiative of The Dollywood Foundation.

dolly parton
Lineup announced for CMA Dolly Parton Tribute show (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)

Who performed?

Joining the lineup was Dolly’s longtime friend and fellow trailblazer Reba McEntire, alongside country stars Carrie Underwood, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson. Genre legends Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs also performed in her honor.

Brad Paisley appeared with his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, while gospel music star Amy Grant and entertainer Kristen Bell made special appearances. Kristin Chenoweth performed “9 to 5” with Carly Pearce.

The star-studded roster also featured Ashley McBryde, Lady A, Darius Rucker, Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Molly Tuttle, Zac Brown, Sierra Hull, and Lukas Nelson, the son of country music icon Willie Nelson. See the full lineup below!

Full Lineup for CMA dolly parton concert
Full Lineup for ‘CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton’ (Photo credit: Country Music Association)

Special Guests Added

Just hours before the show, CMA announced the addition of five special guests. U2 frontman Bono, comedienne Carol Burnett, actresses Goldie Hawn and Julia Roberts, as well as producer and television personality Oprah Winfrey, made special appearances during the program.

When did the Dolly Parton special air?

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton was broadcast live on ABC and Disney+ internationally on October 21st from 8-10 p.m. CDT.

Sarah Trahern, CEO of CMA, shared 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.”

How can I watch the replay?

Missed the live broadcast on October 21st? CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton is streaming now on Hulu. The streaming service offers a free trial to new customers.

The event promised to be:

“A joyful, emotional celebration of the artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian, and entrepreneur whose music and generosity carried her from the mountains of East Tennessee into the hearts of generations around the world.”

See the official trailer for CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton below!

Every Performance From The Dolly Parton Tribute

Share This Article

Join 250,000+ country fans
Country music's best videos & news, straight to your inbox.

About the Author

Amanda Tubbs

Amanda Tubbs was born and raised in the small mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, California, but spent a decade in San Diego after attending San Diego State University where she studied Communication and Marketing. In 2022, she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and is thrilled to call it home after planning the move for years. Her…

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our editorial policy.