Dolly Parton’s legacy will be celebrated in a major two-hour live television special this fall. The Country Music Association (CMA) will host the event. The special will bring together her music and career highlights. It will also spotlight her philanthropy and lasting impact on country music and beyond.
Dolly Parton’s music, philanthropy & legacy will be celebrated during a two-hour live CMA television special
The Wrap reported that the tribute event, named “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” will air live Wednesday, Oct. 21, on ABC and Disney+. The special will look beyond Parton’s music career. It will spotlight her charitable work and the lasting influence she had on Tennessee and American history.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said the organization has a responsibility to honor Parton and recognize what she gave to country music.
She explained, “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.” She further added, “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.”
The two-hour event will combine live performances, archival footage and personal stories from across Parton’s remarkable career. However, CMA has not announced any performers yet.
Robert Deaton will executive produce the special with CMA and Belmont University. The organizers will film it live at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Parton maintained a longtime connection with Belmont. The university hosted the world premiere of her biographical musical DOLLY: A True Original Musical and her Dolly U education partnership program. The special will raise proceeds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-giving organization she founded.
On August 25, Parton died after a short battle with cancer. The event will celebrate her music, philanthropy and lasting legacy.
