Carrie Underwood, Reba, Lainey Wilson and More Are Coming Together for Dolly, and This Lineup Is Unreal
Country royalty, rising stars and Broadway favorites will celebrate Dolly Parton in a live TV special benefiting her Imagination Library.
Clear your calendar, Dolly fans. One of country music’s most beloved icons is getting a celebration worthy of her rhinestone-covered legacy, and the guest list just keeps getting better.
Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley and Kelsea Ballerini are among the stars set to perform during “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” airing live Wednesday, October 21, at 9/8c on ABC and Disney+.
And that’s only the beginning.
The two-hour special will bring together generations of talent at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, celebrating an artist whose songs, storytelling and generosity have reached far beyond country music.
A Lineup That Deserves Its Own Standing Ovation
How do you build a lineup big enough for Dolly? Apparently, you invite some of the most recognizable voices in country, add a few Broadway powerhouses, and leave room for surprises.
Joining the celebration are Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Lady A, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Vince Gill and Zac Brown.
Bluegrass fans have plenty to get excited about, too, with Béla Fleck, Molly Tuttle, Ricky Skaggs and Sierra Hull all on the bill. Meanwhile, Kristen Bell and Kristin Chenoweth bring even more star power to an already stacked night.
Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will also appear as special guests.
Specific song selections haven’t been announced in the supplied lineup reveal, but with this much talent gathering to honor Dolly’s extraordinary career, fans have plenty of reasons to tune in.
Yes, There Are Surprises Coming
The announced performers won’t be the only familiar faces celebrating Dolly.
Additional surprise tributes from friends across the entertainment world will appear throughout the broadcast, giving viewers another reason to keep watching.
A Belmont University student ensemble will also participate in a performance as part of the university’s ongoing “Dolly U” programming, which gives students opportunities to learn from her artistry, career and entrepreneurial legacy.
It’s a fitting addition to a night honoring someone who has inspired generations to dream bigger.
The Celebration Gives Back, Too
A Dolly celebration with a little extra heart? Of course.
In conjunction with the special, CMA and Belmont University will donate from proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping continue its mission of providing children with free books and encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Disney is also supporting the program.
Fans who want to join that effort can learn more or make a donation here.
How to Watch
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” airs Wednesday, October 21, from 9–11 p.m. ET / 8–10 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+, with next-day availability on Hulu.
Between Reba, Carrie, Lainey, Ella and a whole lot of love for Dolly, this is shaping up to be a night fans will want to watch together.
Get the group chat ready. Dolly deserves a viewing party.
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