CMA Unveils 20-Artist Lineup for Live Dolly Parton Tribute Special

Key points

• The CMA special airs live on ABC and Disney+ on Oct. 21, with a Hulu stream available the next day.
• Performers include Ella Langley, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Zac Brown Band.
• The event takes place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center, where Parton’s 'Dolly' musical had its pre-Broadway tryout in 2025.
• Proceeds from the show will support Parton’s Imagination Library, which has distributed over 200 million books.
• Robert Deaton, the longtime executive producer of the CMA Awards, is producing the tribute.

Background

Dolly Parton died in late August at age 80. Following her passing, the music industry held various tributes, including a Grand Ole Opry show and a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. This CMA special represents one of the largest multi-artist honors for the late legend. Ella Langley, who recently dominated the 2026 CMA Awards nominations with nine nods, is a headline performer for this event.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone, Variety, and WZTV all confirm the core details of the October 21 broadcast and the venue at Belmont University. Variety provides the most comprehensive list, specifying 20 performers and noting that Robert Deaton is serving as executive producer. Rolling Stone highlights the inclusion of non-country artists like Kristen Bell and Béla Fleck, emphasizing Parton’s cross-genre influence. WZTV focuses on the local Nashville connection, noting that tickets for the in-person event are now on sale. All sources agree that the event is a major posthumous celebration, with Variety adding that the CMA and Belmont have pledged donations to Parton’s Imagination Library.

Why it matters

This special underscores Dolly Parton’s enduring legacy beyond country music, featuring a diverse roster of artists from Broadway, bluegrass, and pop. It also highlights the ongoing impact of her philanthropic work, specifically the Imagination Library, which continues to receive support from the industry even after her death.

What to watch

The special airs live on October 21. Viewers can watch on ABC and Disney+ at 9 p.m. ET, or stream it on Hulu the following day. In-person tickets are currently available for the event at Belmont University.