How To Watch the Two-Hour TV Special Celebrating Dolly Parton, ‘CMA Presents I Will Always Love You’

The Country Music Association has announced plans to celebrate Dolly Parton’s life and legacy with a new two-hour television special, “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.”

Viewers who tune in will get to look back on the different chapters of Parton’s remarkable career, from her roots in East Tennessee to her decades as a singer, songwriter, entertainer and philanthropist, and the many milestones she reached prior to her passing on August 25.

The special is set to be filmed live at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, with Robert Deaton serving as executive producer, and will feature performances, archival footage and personal stories highlighting her journey to becoming one of the most beloved figures in the world.  

“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,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “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,” added Deaton. “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.”  

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How and When To Watch

The tribute will air live on Wednesday, October 21, from 9-11 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally, with the special becoming available on Hulu the following day.

This special celebration of life is also part of the longstanding partnership between Belmont University and the “9 to 5” singer, which also included the 2025 premiere of DOLLY: A True Original Musical at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The partnership led to the creation of DOLLY U, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in entertainment, media and other creative fields while working alongside industry professionals and helping bring Parton’s visions to life.

“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,” says Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University. “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. 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.”  

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CMA and Belmont University have pledged to make a donation from proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, continuing the late icon’s longtime commitment to getting free books into the hands of millions of children each month. Additionally, Disney is dedicated to supporting the Imagination Library and its mission to inspire children to dream big and explore their potential.

More information about the special, including the performers, tickets and additional partners, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Ticketing updates can be found HERE.