CMA Special Celebrates Dolly Parton With 20 Performers

The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the full lineup of 20 performers for its upcoming special, "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton." This tribute event is scheduled to air live on ABC and stream simultaneously on Disney+ on October 21. The extensive list of artists set to honor the iconic Dolly Parton includes a diverse range of country music stars and other notable personalities.

Among the featured performers are established country music artists such as Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, and Carly Pearce. The lineup also highlights emerging talent like Ella Langley and critically acclaimed bluegrass musician Molly Tuttle. Adding a unique dimension to the celebration, actress and singer Kristen Bell will also be participating, showcasing Parton's broad cultural impact beyond country music. The special aims to cover the breadth of Parton's career, which spans over six decades and includes numerous hit songs, acting roles, and philanthropic endeavors.

Dolly Parton, a legendary figure in American music, has achieved unparalleled success with over 100 million records sold worldwide and a prolific songwriting catalog that includes hundreds of songs. Her career is marked by numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Country Music Association Awards. Beyond her musical achievements, Parton is also recognized for her acting roles in films like "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias," as well as her extensive philanthropic work, most notably through the Imagination Library, which has distributed millions of free books to children.

The "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" special is expected to feature renditions of Parton's most beloved songs, potentially spanning her extensive discography from early hits to more recent work. The inclusion of a wide array of artists, from seasoned veterans to newer faces, suggests a comprehensive look at Parton's influence on multiple generations of musicians and fans. The live broadcast on ABC and Disney+ will provide a broad audience with the opportunity to witness this tribute to one of music's most enduring and beloved icons. The specific setlist and any surprise appearances have not yet been fully detailed, but the announced performers indicate a high-caliber event celebrating Parton's indelible legacy.