Country music’s biggest stars have come together to honor the life and legacy of Dolly Parton with a televised celebration.
The Country Music Association and ABC put on a two-hour live special Wednesday featuring a star-studded lineup of performers who sang Parton’s most iconic songs and shared stories about the late Queen of Country, including legends of the genre like Vince Gill, Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley.
Parton died in August at the age of 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer.
The I Will Always Love You special, filmed in Nashville, featured a wide range of tributes from stars like Oprah Winfrey, Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry, Kristen Bell, Carol Burnett, Bono, Goldie Hawn and Kristin Chenoweth.
Gill — who collaborated with Parton on the duet version of “I Will Always Love You” in 1995 — kicked off the evening with a performance of “A Few Old Memories.” He was joined onstage by singers Molly Tuttle and Ricky Skaggs, as well as banjo player Béla Fleck.
More than 20 performers took the stage throughout the night to perform renditions of Parton’s beloved discography. McEntire performed a tearful rendition of “He’s Alive” with the Belmont University student ensemble. Lady A performed “Islands in the Stream” and newcomer Ella Langley sang Parton’s hit “Jolene,” while Carrie Underwood took on “I Will Always Love You.”
Other performances included Ashley McBride with “Coat of Many Colors,” Darius Rucker with “Two Doors Down,” Kelsea Ballerini with “Here You Come Again” and Zac Brown with “Butterfly.”
Fans were left in tears by the butterfly-adorned tributes, with one person commenting on the CMA’s video of Gill’s tribute on Instagram: “Wow. Everyone was so genuine. It’s such a pleasure to see the IMPACT DOLLY PARTON had and still has on people. What a fabulous idea to do this tribute CMA. HER LEGACY WILL LIVE ON FOREVER.”
“What a beautiful show for the most beautiful soul,” another person wrote.
A pre-recorded video played at the beginning of the broadcast, featuring actor Julia Roberts — who starred alongside Parton in the 1989 drama Steel Magnolias — recalling her time with the multi-hyphenate artist on set.
“Dolly came into my life when I was in my early 20s, and it was magical to see someone so alive, so present,” Robert said. “She really was a shining example of remembering who you are, where you came from, and what it means to be kind. We love her.”
Parton was honored at the 2026 MTV VMAs last month with a tribute from Kacey Musgraves, who performed a moving cover of “I Will Always Love You.”
The 2026 Emmy Awards also paid tribute to her with a dedication from McEntire and Sally Field during the award show’s in memoriam segment.
Read MoreStrictly to pay tribute to Dolly Parton and Madonna as part of ‘icons’ week
Dolly Parton estate battle underscores family business succession challenges
Slayyyter cancels two concerts to avoid causing 'further voice damage'
Fontaines DC vow to ban AI after Marianne controversy: 'None of us were told'
Noel Gallagher to appear Chicken Shop Date alongside Amelia Dimoldenberg
