Nashville said goodbye in song. I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton aired Wednesday, October 21 on ABC and Disney+, a two-hour CMA special filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Parton died August 25 at age 80, and the night was a tribute to a career that spanned more than six decades.
Oprah Winfrey opened the broadcast in a recorded message, calling Parton the essence of being completely who you see yourself to be. Julia Roberts, her Steel Magnolias co-star, remembered someone magical, alive and present. Sabrina Carpenter, who reworked “Please Please Please” with Parton, said she was one of the only people on earth everyone could agree on. Katy Perry gave the night its title, crediting Parton with the ability to bring people together across politics, backgrounds and beliefs, and called her the blueprint.
The music did the rest. Zac Brown sang “Butterfly” alongside Parton’s original vocal, Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull performed “When I Get Where I’m Going,” and Reba McEntire chose “He’s Alive.” Carrie Underwood closed the night with “I Will Always Love You,” joined by the full cast. Carol Burnett, Bono and Goldie Hawn also paid tribute.
Part of the proceeds go to Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends free books to children each month, a fitting nod to a legacy of giving.
