From Billboard · Paul Grein · · 1m 30s
CMA honors Dolly Parton with live two-hour TV special
The tribute airs October 21 on ABC, celebrating the country icon who died in August at age 80.
In brief
The tribute airs October 21 on ABC, celebrating the country icon who died in August at age 80. The CMA is producing a live two-hour tribute to Dolly Parton airing October 21 on ABC, featuring performances and personal stories celebrating her legacy. Originally reported by Billboard.
Live tribute special announced
The CMA is producing a two-hour TV event honoring Dolly Parton, who died August 25 at age 80. It airs live October 21 on ABC and Disney+.
A joyful, emotional celebration
The special promises performances, archival footage, and personal stories celebrating Parton's journey from east Tennessee to global icon.
Filmed at Belmont University
Robert Deaton will executive produce the special, filmed live at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville.
“Dolly gave Country Music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor.”
Parton's CMA Awards history
In 1978, Parton became the second woman to win entertainer of the year. She was the first woman to solo-host the awards in 1988.
Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement
In 2016, Parton became the first woman to win the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMA Awards.
Student involvement at Belmont
The special continues Belmont's partnership with Parton, including DOLLY U, which connects students with hands-on opportunities in entertainment.
Supporting Imagination Library
CMA and Belmont will donate proceeds to Parton's Imagination Library, which gives millions of children a free book each month.
The main idea
The CMA is producing a live two-hour tribute to Dolly Parton airing October 21 on ABC, featuring performances and personal stories celebrating her legacy.
