The CMA has announced a major lineup of performers for its two-hour live tribute to Dolly Parton, including Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley and Vince Gill.
The Country Music Association has unveiled the performer lineup for “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” a two-hour live television event honoring the late country music icon.
Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown are scheduled to perform.
Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will appear as special guests. The lineup was announced Oct. 5, with the CMA also teasing additional surprise appearances.
The special comes after Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 in Nashville. Her official announcement said she died peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. She was later laid to rest in a private family service beside her husband, Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.
The event will be filmed before a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
A Belmont student ensemble will also perform as a connection to the university’s “Dolly U” program, which focuses on Parton’s career, artistry and entrepreneurial legacy.
The CMA and Belmont University will donate a portion of proceeds from the event to Parton’s Imagination Library. Disney is also supporting the organization and its mission to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading.
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” will air live Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally. The special will become available on Hulu the following day.
