The Country Music Association will honor Dolly Parton with a two-hour live television special celebrating the country icon’s life, music and lasting legacy. “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” will air Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9 to 11 p.m. EDT on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally, with the special becoming available on Hulu the following day.
Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The special will revisit her career as a singer, songwriter, actress, entertainer and entrepreneur, while also highlighting her philanthropic work and influence on generations of fans. The CMA has described the event as an opportunity to recognize the breadth of Parton’s contributions to country music and beyond.
The event will be filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville and will combine live performances, archival material and personal stories from people connected to Parton. Additional information about the performers and ticket availability is expected to be announced later. The Nashville venue previously hosted the premiere of Parton’s “Dolly” musical and is part of a broader relationship between the singer and Belmont, including the Dolly U entertainment initiative.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said in a statement: “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.” Executive producer Robert Deaton is overseeing the project, with the CMA and Belmont University collaborating on the production. Proceeds from the event will support Parton’s Imagination Library, the children’s literacy program she founded.
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