The CMA – Country Music Association – has announced that they will air a special two-hour televised tribute to Country Music Legend Dolly Parton on October 21/ Set to air on ABC and Dissney+, “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” will feature live performances, archival footage, and personal stories of her life in the Smokey Mountains to one of the most iconic stars in music.
Parton died on August 25, 2026 at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer; but she left a legacy that will last for generations to come.
The special is being filmed at Belmont University in Nashville and the CMA is directing fans to sign up for ticket updates for the event via an online form.
Parton has had a long relationship with Belmont whose immersive educational initiative Dolly U, was “designed to connect students with hands-on opportunities in entertainment and allow them to work closely with artists, producers and industry leaders.”
Belmont University and the Country Music Association will be making donations to Parton’s Imagination Library where children who sign up receive a new book each month from birth to age five. Currently the program operates in five nations – the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.