Country music’s biggest names are gathering to honor Dolly Parton, and the lineup reads like a who’s who of the genre. ABC and the Country Music Association announced the performers for “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” today, revealing a two-hour live concert event that airs Oct. 21 on ABC and Disney+.
The show takes place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville. It features a student performance from the school’s “Dolly U” program, along with surprise celebrity tributes. Proceeds benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with support from Disney.
The Headliners
Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire anchor the bill. Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley round out the featured lineup. The two-hour event streams the next day on Hulu.
A Multi-Genre Lineup
The concert spans generations and genres. Icons from country, bluegrass and beyond are coming together to celebrate Parton, according to the announcement.
The Guests
| Guest | Role |
|---|---|
| Carrie Underwood | Featured performer |
| Reba McEntire | Featured performer |
| Brad Paisley | Featured performer |
| Lainey Wilson | Featured performer |
| Amy Grant | Special guest |
| Kimberly Williams-Paisley | Special guest |
Key Facts
- Event: “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton”
- Date: Oct. 21
- Time: 9/8c
- Channels: ABC, Disney+
- Stream: Hulu, the next day
- Location: Belmont University’s Fisher Center, Nashville
- Beneficiary: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Support: Disney
What the Show Includes
The concert includes a full slate of performances from the featured artists. The “Dolly U” student performance gives young musicians a chance to appear on national television. Surprise celebrity tributes add a special element throughout the night.
Why This Matters
This celebration brings together some of the genre’s biggest names to honor her legacy. The “Dolly U” student performance adds a generational element.
The show also raises money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
How the Show Works
The concert airs live at 9/8c on ABC and Disney+. It streams the next day on Hulu.
The Bottom Line
This is a star-studded lineup honoring a living legend while raising money for children’s literacy. Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire lead a field that mixes established stars with rising talent.
The multi-genre, multi-generational lineup celebrates Parton’s lasting influence, with proceeds benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, with support from Disney. Tune in Oct. 21 at 9/8c on ABC and Disney+, streaming the next day on Hulu.
See the a run of 17 images at ABC7 Los Angeles.
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