In a heartfelt tribute to the late Dolly Parton, the Country Music Association (CMA) has announced a special programme titled “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.” This event, set to broadcast live on 21 October 2023, will be available on ABC and Disney+ in the United States and internationally. Following the initial airing, it will be accessible on Hulu the following day.
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The tribute comes in the wake of Parton’s passing on 25 August at the age of 80. A statement from the CMA describes the two-hour special as a joyful and emotional celebration of Parton’s extensive career. It aims to honour her legacy as an artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian, and entrepreneur, highlighting how her music reached audiences worldwide and touched generations.
CMA’s executive producer Robert Deaton expressed the significance of this tribute, stating, “Dolly gave Country Music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honour.” He emphasised the hope that the tribute will do justice to her remarkable story, music, and the countless fans who cherished her work.
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA, shared her thoughts on Parton’s immense contributions to the music industry. “Dolly Parton belonged to the whole world, but she was born of this industry,” she noted. Trehan remarked that the music industry holds a debt of gratitude toward Parton that cannot simply be articulated with words. She continued, “Honouring her legacy is not just an opportunity, it is our responsibility,” highlighting the event as a way to express appreciation on behalf of artists, industry members, and fans alike.
At present, details surrounding the performers set to take part in the tribute have yet to be disclosed. However, the CMA has confirmed that the special will feature a mix of performances, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, creating a narrative that traces Parton’s journey from her roots in eastern Tennessee to becoming one of the most cherished figures in American entertainment history.
The collaboration between the CMA and Belmont University will play a significant role in this special event. Belmont University has a history of partnering with Parton, which includes the upcoming world premiere of “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” in 2025 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and the launch of DOLLY U, an educational initiative. Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University, remarked on Parton’s profound influence, stating that her qualities of creativity, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit have inspired many and align closely with the university’s mission.
In a statement reflecting on the tribute, Dr. Jones commented, “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, honouring a woman whose love for Tennessee was woven into everything she did.”
As part of this tribute, both the CMA and Belmont University announced plans to contribute from the event’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a programme dedicated to promoting reading among young children.
Fans and supporters of Parton are encouraged to keep checking for updates on the special’s performers, ticket availability, and other partnership information, which will be revealed in the weeks leading up to the event.
The anticipation continues to build as the CMA prepares to celebrate the life and career of one of country music’s most iconic figures. Dolly Parton’s impact on music and culture will undoubtedly resonate through this tribute, ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.
For more details about the special and to keep abreast of developments, interested parties can follow announcements from the CMA and visit their website. The programme promises to be a fitting homage to an artist whose influence is unmatched and whose contributions to society and the music industry will never be forgotten.