Dolly Parton ProfileThe Country Music Association (CMA) has officially announced the line-up for its forthcoming tribute concert to the late Dolly Parton.
Officially dubbed CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, the event was first announced last month, and is set to air on the evening of Wednesday, October 21st (12pm AEDT on Thursday, October 22nd in Australia).
Filmed before a live audience at Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the two-hour television tribute to Parton is set to be a hefty affair full of some of the biggest names in American country music, including the likes of Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Zac Brown, Lainey Wilson, and more.
The event will also feature Béla Fleck, Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Lady A, Kristin Chenoweth, Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Molly Tuttle, Carly Pearce, Kristen Bell, Ricky Skaggs, and Sierra Hull, while Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will join as special guests.
Additionally, a Belmont University student ensemble will also take part, reflecting the ongoing 'Dolly U' programming reflected by the university. Meanwhile, proceeds from the event will go to benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and further surprise tributes will also be featured throughout the special.
“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,” CMA’s chief executive officer Sarah Trahern said upon the event's announcement last month.
“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.”
Parton passed away in August at the age of 80, with her loss being felt by music-lovers the world over – not just from country fans.
In the wake of her death, numerous tributes were announced, including news that the Nashville International Airport will be renamed in her honour, while 'Dolly Parton Day' was celebrated in California and Nashville on September 25 (or, 9/25 – 9 To 5).
Additional tribute events were also announced for both the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the weekend's The Bend Classic.
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton will air at 12pm AEDT on Thursday, October 22nd on Disney+.
