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- Dolly Parton Tribute Lineup Announced By ABC (parade.com)
ABC has unveiled its star-studded lineup for the upcoming two-hour special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. This heartfelt tribute will air on Good Morning America, honoring the late country music legend Dolly Parton through a series of memorable musical performances.
The Country Music Association and ABC confirmed a remarkable roster of artists set to perform, including Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill, and Zac Brown.
Adding to the special’s star power, Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will appear as special guests, with more surprise appearances to be announced during the broadcast. The program will also showcase a performance by a student ensemble from Belmont University.
In a meaningful gesture, proceeds from the event will support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, thanks to a collaboration between the CMA and Belmont University. The special will be filmed live before an audience at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville.
Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, leaves behind a legendary legacy. Her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, shared the news in an emotional Instagram video, reflecting on the weight of the moment and the profound impact of her loss.
Tributes poured in from across the music world, with artists like Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, and Reba McEntire honoring her memory. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom paid homage by declaring September 20 “Dolly Parton Day” in recognition of her enduring influence, inspired by her iconic film and song, 9 to 5.
The tribute special will air on Wednesday, October 21, at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available on Hulu starting the following day. Fans nationwide will have the opportunity to celebrate Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life and music through this star-filled event.
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- Dolly Parton Tribute Lineup Announced By ABC (parade.com)