CMA Schedules Live Tribute Special for Dolly Parton on October 2

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Sep 16, 2026 5:30am PT

Dolly Parton Tribute Special Set by Country Music Association

By Payton Turkeltaub

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Payton Turkeltaub

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Following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton last month, the Country Music Association has set a live, two-hour evening dedicated to honoring the beloved star.

The tribute, titled “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” will air on Oct. 21 on ABC and Disney+, and be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.

Per the evening’s logline, the special will 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, told through performances, archival footage and personal stories that trace her extraordinary journey to becoming one of the most beloved entertainers and philanthropists in American history.”

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_Originally reported by [Variety Music](https://variety.com/2026/music/news/dolly-parton-tribute-special-country-music-association-1236863841/)._