Following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton last month, the Country Music Association has set a live, two-hour evening dedicated to honoring the beloved star.
The tribute, titled “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” will air on Oct. 21 on ABC and Disney+, and be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
Per the evening’s logline, the special will be a “joyful, emotional celebration of the artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian and entrepreneur whose music and generosity carried her from the mountains of East Tennessee into the hearts of generations around the world, told through performances, archival footage and personal stories that trace her extraordinary journey to becoming one of the most beloved entertainers and philanthropists in American history.”
The singer-songwriter-actress died in August at the age of 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer, per the star’s reps.
“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,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, 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.”
“Dolly gave country music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor,” said producer and director Robert Deaton, who will serve as the tribute’s executive producer. “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.”
The live event will be filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
“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,” said Dr. Greg Jones, the university’s president.
CMA and Belmont University will also donate a portion of the proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program and the flagship initiative of The Dollywood Foundation.
