Dolly Parton Tribute Special 2026: Full Song List & Where to Watch

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, with the complete performance list revealed.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: September 16, 2026

Last Updated: October 22, 2026

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton brought together some of country music's biggest stars and familiar faces from Hollywood for a two-hour celebration of the legendary entertainer's life, music, and legacy.

The special aired live Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, with performances by Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Ella Langley, and more.

Following the broadcast, the Country Music Association (CMA) announced that the celebration resulted in a combined $1 million donation to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

The tribute, which honored Parton following her passing on August 25, 2026, at age 80, is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

Where to Watch the Dolly Parton Tribute Special

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

The two-hour special originally aired Wednesday, October 21, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.

Viewers who missed the original broadcast can now watch the tribute on demand, including performances of some of Parton's most recognizable songs, special appearances, archival footage, and personal tributes celebrating her remarkable career.

Dolly Parton Tribute Special 2026: Complete Performance and Song List

CMA has released the complete list of performances from I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.

The musical tribute featured interpretations of Parton's songs from artists representing several generations of country music, along with collaborations featuring bluegrass musicians, Broadway performers, and other special guests.

Full Performance List:

• Vince Gill featuring Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, and Molly Tuttle — "A Few Old Memories"

• Lainey Wilson featuring Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs, and Molly Tuttle — "Train, Train"

• Ashley McBryde — "Coat of Many Colors"

• Ella Langley — "Jolene"

• Kelsea Ballerini — "Here You Come Again"

• Darius Rucker — "Two Doors Down"

• Carly Pearce and Kristin Chenoweth — "9 to 5"

• Lady A — "Islands in the Stream"

• Lukas Nelson with Lainey Wilson — "You Can't Make Old Friends"

• Little Big Town — "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"

• Reba McEntire with Belmont Singers — "He's Alive"

• Zac Brown featuring a vocal duet with Dolly Parton — "Butterfly"

• Brad Paisley featuring Sierra Hull — "When I Get Where I'm Going"

• Carrie Underwood with the Full Cast — "I Will Always Love You"

Bono, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts & More Among Dolly Parton Tribute Guests

The musical performances were accompanied by special appearances celebrating Parton's influence across entertainment.

Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts, and Oprah Winfrey were among the Hollywood celebrities announced to participate in the tribute.

Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were also announced as special guests.

The television event celebrated Parton's contributions to country music, film, television, and philanthropy, bringing together artists and entertainers whose careers and lives were influenced by her work.

Dolly Parton Tribute Results in $1 Million Donation to Imagination Library

On October 22, the Country Music Association announced that its collaboration with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp resulted in a combined $1 million donation to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

The contribution fulfills a previously announced commitment to support the children's literacy program in conjunction with the televised tribute.

"Dolly has always brought people together, and we built last night's event with that same intention," said Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. "Because of the artists who took that stage and the partners who stood beside us, a night full of her music resulted in a $1 million donation to Imagination Library, so that children for years to come can open a mailbox and find a book with their name on it."

Brittany Schaffer, CMA Incoming CEO, also reflected on the significance of the donation.

"Through her music, her philanthropy and her heart, Dolly gave all of us a reason to come together. We are so proud that our community united for a magical evening that carries forward her legacy of love and literacy for generations of children around the world."

The Imagination Library was founded by Parton in 1995 in her home county in East Tennessee. Inspired by her father's inability to read and write, Parton established the program to encourage a love of reading among young children.

The organization provides free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five through participating communities.

Jeff Conyers, President and Vice Chair of The Dollywood Foundation, said the donation reflects Parton's lifelong commitment to helping children discover new possibilities through reading.

"I couldn't think of a more meaningful way to celebrate Dolly's life than by investing in the dreams of future generations. We're incredibly grateful to CMA, Belmont University, Disney, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp for making this generous gift possible."

Fans can learn more about the program and support its mission through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Where Was the Dolly Parton Tribute Special Filmed?

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton was broadcast live from the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 21, 2026.

Belmont has several connections to Parton's legacy. The Fisher Center hosted the 2025 world premiere of DOLLY: A True Original Musical, and the university partnered with Parton to launch DOLLY U, an educational initiative focused on her career, artistry, entrepreneurship, and influence.

Students from Belmont also participated in the tribute, joining Reba McEntire for a performance of "He's Alive."

Robert Deaton served as executive producer of the CMA television special.

About CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton

Produced by the Country Music Association in partnership with Belmont University, the special celebrated Parton's extraordinary contributions to music and entertainment.

The broadcast combined live musical performances, archival footage, personal stories, and tributes to the Country Music Hall of Fame member, whose career spanned more than six decades.

Beyond her recordings and accomplishments in entertainment, the celebration also recognized her philanthropic work, including the Imagination Library, which remains an important part of her legacy.

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

Photo Credit: CMA