Dolly Parton’s death on August 25, following a brief battle with cancer, brought the country music community to a stop. Now it is moving again, and this time it is moving toward a tribute. The Country Music Association (CMA) announced Thursday that it will produce a two-hour live television event to honor Parton, and the show will air on ABC and Disney+.
The special, titled “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” will be filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, TN. It will celebrate the artist, singer, songwriter, actor, humanitarian and entrepreneur with special performances, archival footage and personal stories that chronicle her illustrious career. The event will also raise money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the charity that gives millions of children a free book each month.
Sarah Trahern’s Statement
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern spoke directly about why the organization is doing this. “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,” Trahern said in a statement. “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.”
Trahern’s framing matters. She is not asking for permission to honor Parton. She is stating that the CMA exists to honor figures like her, and that this is a duty rather than a favor. The statement positions the tribute as a collective response from the entire industry, not just the association itself.
Robert Deaton on Giving Back
Robert Deaton, the special’s executive producer, spoke in more personal terms. “Dolly gave country music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor,” he said. “My hope is simply that we do right by her story, her music and the people who love her, so that this evening feels like the tribute my friend deserves.”
Deaton’s line is notable for what it promises. He is not promising a grand spectacle. He is promising a careful, respectful evening that does justice to Parton’s story. That distinction matters in a genre where tributes can sometimes feel like marketing exercises.
Belmont University’s Role
Belmont University is a major partner in the production. The school’s president, Dr. Greg Jones, spoke about the partnership. “Dolly Parton’s impact extends far beyond music. She represents creativity, generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to lifting others up, qualities that have inspired generations and resonate deeply with Belmont’s mission,” he said.
Jones also noted the university’s prior work with Parton. “It was an honor for Belmont to partner with Dolly through the launch of DOLLY U and the world premiere of her musical at the Fisher Center,” he said. “Now, it is a privilege to welcome artists, friends and fans from around the world to celebrate her extraordinary life and legacy from this stage in Nashville, honoring a woman whose love for Tennessee was woven into everything she did.”
The reference to DOLLY U is significant. It shows that Parton’s relationship with Belmont goes beyond a single event.
The Imagination Library Proceeds
The CMA and Belmont University will donate proceeds from the event to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Disney is also supporting the library to further its mission of inspiring children to imagine their possibilities.
This is the practical side of the tribute. It is not just a show. It is a fundraiser for a charity that Parton built to give children books. The decision to donate proceeds means that the evening will have a direct impact on the charity’s work.
The Walt Disney Company Connection
The Walt Disney Company owns both ABC and Hulu, and it is also the parent company of the Disney+ streamer. That means the CMA’s tribute will appear on three platforms, with Hulu carrying it the next day after the ABC/Disney+ broadcast.
The CMA has made a strategic choice here. By partnering with Disney, it gains access to three major streaming platforms.
What the Show Will Include
The two-hour format will include performances, archival footage and personal stories. The focus is on Parton’s career, not just her recent work.
The inclusion of personal stories is a smart move. It humanizes Parton beyond her public image. Fans want to hear about the person behind the songs, and the stories will provide that context.
The October 21 Date
The special airs October 21 on ABC and Disney+. It streams on Hulu the next day.
| Platform | Air Date |
|---|---|
| ABC | October 21 |
| Disney+ | October 21 |
| Hulu | October 22 |
The two-day window gives viewers options for watching. Someone who misses the ABC broadcast can catch it on Disney+ the same day, and Hulu offers a third option the next day.
The date is set, and the purpose is clear. The CMA is saying thank you, and it is doing so with a show that reflects the scale of her influence.
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