Updated Oct. 21, 2026, 7:50 a.m. CT
- A nationally televised tribute special will honor the life and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton.
- The tribute will feature performances from artists like Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Brad Paisley.
- Parton died Aug. 25 in Nashville after a brief battle with cancer.
Following the death of country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, fans and fellow artists will come together to celebrate her life and legacy during a nationally televised tribute special.
The Country Music Association’s “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” will air live from Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville and will feature performances and tributes from some of country music’s biggest names.
Performing artists include Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill. The special will also feature archival footage and personal stories celebrating Parton’s career.
The tribute comes less than two months after Parton’s death shocked Nashville and the world. Ahead of the special, here’s a look back at the events leading up to Parton’s death.
How to watch the CMA Dolly Parton tribute special
The special will air live from 8 to 10 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+ and will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.
Watch Dolly Parton tribute special on Disney+
When, where did Dolly Parton die?
Parton died Aug. 25 in Nashville, according to an official statement.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Carl Thomas Dean; her mother, Avie Lee Caroline Owens; and her father, Robert Lee Parton Sr.
The announcement was shared via her social media accounts in a video from her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who is now embroiled in a contentious legal dispute that resulted in a judge granting Parton’s longtime manager a restraining order against him.
Parton died surrounded by loved ones at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, where she’d been hospitalized since Aug. 21, read a statement.
What was Dolly Parton’s cause of death?
In a statement to The Tennessean, Parton’s representatives said the singer died “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer.” The statement did not disclose what type of cancer Parton had.
Parton had faced a series of health concerns in recent months, which prevented her from attending an announcement about Dollywood’s newest ride in 2025 and later led to the delay of her planned Las Vegas residency until 2026, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported.
Dolly Parton’s death followed months of health concerns
In the months leading up to her death, Parton faced a series of health concerns that affected her public appearances and professional commitments.
In September 2025, the country music icon was unable to attend the announcement of Dollywood’s newest attraction because of ongoing health issues. Later that month, those same concerns prompted the postponement of her planned Las Vegas residency until 2026.
The country superstar announced the health update with her beloved trademark wit.
“As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures,” Parton said in a statement to social media. “As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile checkup, although it’s not my usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
160 pages of Dolly, at her brightest.
The health challenges fueled speculation about Parton’s condition and prompted rumors of her death, which she addressed the only way she knew how: with humor and a smile.
In an Oct. 8, 2025, video captioned, “I ain’t dead yet!” Parton assured fans she was in good health and continuing to work on various projects.
“I know that lately everybody thinks that I am sicker than I am, do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here!” she said. “I want you to know that I’m okay. I’ve got some problems as I mentioned. Back when my husband Carl was very sick, I was for a long time and when he passed, I didn’t take care of myself so I let a lot of things go that I should’ve been taking care of.”
Parton added that her doctors had told her it was nothing major at the time, although the cancellations were necessary so she could remain closer to home and her physicians.
“I’m not ready to die yet,” she continued. “I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done working.”
What were Dolly Parton’s health concerns?
Earlier this year, Parton was able to welcome fans to Dollywood’s newest attraction, just not in person. Instead, she appeared via video.
In August 2026, appearing in the video with colorful butterfly wings fluttering behind her, Parton explained why she could not attend the NightFlight debut.
“My little butterfly wings are getting tired. Now, I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues, and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated.
“Now, I’m dehydrated. And so my personal doctor has kind of clipped my wings saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.'” She added that “all is going well on the medical end of things,” and said she was working on other projects.
In May 2026, Parton shared an update on her health via a video posted on her social media accounts. She revealed that her immune and digestive systems have been “out of whack” for several years and that she’s long had problems with kidney stones, but said she was responding well to treatment, just not soon enough to return to the stage yet.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
