What can you say about the late Dolly Parton? She was generous, brilliant, talented, kind, savvy, and humble. Not many people have all those attributes, but she sure did. That is why the Country Music Association plans an all-out, gala tribute to the beloved "Jolene" singer. Per a press release on the CMA, web site, the organization announced a two-hour program honoring Parton next month. Details about tickets and performers have yet to be released.
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It's titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. The show will air on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 9/8c. It will be broadcast on ABC and Disney+. It'll take place at Belmont University and be available the following day on Hulu.
"This Industry Owes Her a Debt of Gratitude"
A top CMA exec lavishly praised Dolly Parton for her many contributions to the country music genre. Per the release, Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA, said this. "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."
She continued, "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 Parton Had a Close Connection With Belmont University
The star had a fruitful and enduring relationship with the school. Belmont University is located in Nashville. It boasts numerous illustrious grads in country music. In fact, DOLLY U is housed there. That's an initiative that brings students together with valuable, real-world opportunities in exciting creative fields. In addition, the world premiere of DOLLY: A True Original Musical took place last year at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont.
Dr. Greg Jones, Belmont University's president, spoke of Dolly Parton, per the release. He has immense admiration and respect for the late singer. "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,."
Furthermore, Jones mentioned, "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."
