KEY POINT
- The two hour special will feature performances from Reba McEntire, Ella Langley, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and other country artists.
- The event will be filmed before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
- ABC and Disney+ will air the special Oct. 21, with Hulu streaming it the following day.
A wide ranging lineup of country, bluegrass and Broadway performers is set to celebrate Dolly Parton in a two hour television special coming to ABC and Disney+ on Oct. 21.
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” will bring together more than 20 acts for performances drawn from Parton’s extensive catalog. The event will be recorded before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
Among the announced performers are Reba McEntire, Ella Langley, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson, Lady A, Little Big Town, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker.
The lineup also extends beyond traditional country music. Broadway performers Kristen Bell and Kristin Chenoweth, banjo player Béla Fleck, bluegrass musicians Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull, and Lukas Nelson are scheduled to appear. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams Paisley will participate as special guests.
Several performers have existing connections to Parton’s music. Paisley and Parton previously collaborated on “When I Get Where I’m Going,” while Zac Brown Band worked with Parton on “Butterfly.” McEntire has also shared the stage with Parton on previous occasions.
The tribute will also feature a Belmont University student ensemble connected to the school’s “Dolly U” initiative, which uses Parton’s career, artistry and business achievements as a learning resource.
The special is scheduled to air from 9 to 11 p.m. EDT on ABC and Disney+ on Oct. 21. It will become available on Hulu the following day. The announcement also said additional surprise tributes from figures across the entertainment industry are planned.
