CMA to Pay Tribute to Dolly Parton With Live Two-Hour Special on ABC

The Country Music Association (CMA) revealed on Wednesday that it’s producing a live two-hour special to pay tribute to Dolly Parton, who died last month at age 80.

The special, titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, “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,” a press release stated.

Robert Deaton will executive produce the special. “Dolly gave country music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor,” he said in a statement. “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.”

Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, added in her own statement, “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. 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.”

In conjunction with the TV event, CMA and Belmont University will also make a donation from proceeds to Parton’s Imagination Library.

Parton, known as the Queen of Country music, died after a brief battle with cancer.

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton will air live on ABC and Disney+ internationally on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9-11 p.m. ET, and stream next day on Hulu.