A two-hour live Disney+ special will pay tribute Dolly Parton this October
Disney+ and ABC will air the tribute to the beloved country star.
We willalwayslove her.
Country music icon and actress Dolly Parton died at age 80 following a short battle with cancer on August 25, and on October 21, the Country Music Association will present a live, two-hour special honoring the singer, entrepreneur and philanthropist with performances, archival footage and shared personal stories.
RECOMMENDED: A brand-new Dolly Parton hotel and museum will debut in Nashville this month
I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, which will be streamed live at 9pm on ABC and Disney+ on October 21 (and the next day on Hulu), is planned to be a “joyful, emotional celebration of the artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian and entrepreneur whose music and generosity carried her from the mountains of east Tennessee into the hearts of generations around the world,”
Not only that, the special will act as a fundraiser for Parton’sImagination Library, which gives millions of children free books each month to inspire a love for reading. CMA and Belmont University, where the special will be filmed, will make a donation from their proceeds and Disney will also support the Imagination Library.
Photograph: Dolly Parton performing in Newport, Rhode Island
“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,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA’s CEO. “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 gave Country Music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor,” says Robert Deaton, the project’s executive producer. “My hope is simply that we do right by her story, her music and the people who love her, so that this evening feels like the tribute my friend deserves.”
Those in Nashville canfill out a formto be notified when tickets for the event are available. Tickets purchases are limited to four.
Parton was familiar with the venue, Belmont University, because she collaborated on the 2025 world premiere ofDOLLY: A True Original Musicalat the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and the launch of DOLLY U, an immersive educational partnership designed to connect students with hands-on opportunities in entertainment, media and creative industries.
“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,” says Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University. “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.”
Catch it on October 21 at 9pm EST on ABC and Disney+, or on Hulu the next day.
Discover Time Out original video
