CMA Announces Live TV Tribute Special for Dolly Parton

The Country Music Association announced a live, two-hour television special to honor the legacy of Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, 2026. The event, titled "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," is scheduled to air on Wednesday, October 21, on ABC and Disney internationally, with next-day streaming on Hulu. The special will be filmed live at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville. According to the CMA, the program will feature performances, archival footage, and personal stories tracing Parton's journey from the mountains of East Tennessee to becoming one of the most beloved entertainers and philanthropists in American history. "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," said Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. "As the organization built to serve and celebrate country music, honoring her legacy is not just an opportunity, it is our responsibility." Robert Deaton will serve as the executive producer.