Nashville Unscripted · Dolly Parton
The CMA Dolly Parton tribute airs live from Belmont on October 21, with Reba, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson in the lineup. Here’s how to watch, how to get in, and who’s singing.
The short answer: “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” airs live on Wednesday, October 21, from 8 to 10 p.m. Central (9–11 p.m. Eastern) on ABC and Disney+, then on Hulu and Disney+ the next day. It’s live from Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. Tickets start at $95, a nod to “9 to 5,” and proceeds help fund Dolly’s Imagination Library.
| Date | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
| Time | 8–10 p.m. CT / 9–11 p.m. ET, live |
| Watch | ABC and Disney+ live; Hulu and Disney+ next day |
| Venue | Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Belmont University, Nashville |
| Tickets | From $95 through the Fisher Center box office; on sale since September 30, availability “extremely limited” |
| Proceeds | CMA and Belmont will donate from proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; Disney is also supporting the Library |
Who’s Performing at the CMA Dolly Parton Tribute
The CMA announced the lineup on October 5 on ABC’s Good Morning America:
- Ashley McBryde
- Béla Fleck
- Brad Paisley
- Carly Pearce
- Carrie Underwood
- Darius Rucker
- Ella Langley
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Kristen Bell
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Lady A
- Lainey Wilson
- Little Big Town
- Lukas Nelson
- Molly Tuttle
- Reba McEntire
- Ricky Skaggs
- Sierra Hull
- Vince Gill
- Zac Brown
Special appearances: Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. A Belmont University student ensemble is also part of the show, which mixes live performances with archival footage and personal stories about Dolly as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
This is Reba’s second big Dolly tribute in five weeks. At the Emmys on September 14, she sang “Appalachian Memories” wearing jewelry from Dolly’s own collection. Read about Reba’s Emmy tribute →
Why Belmont?
Belmont had worked with Dolly before. The school partnered with her on DOLLY U, which put students to work with artists and producers, and the Fisher Center hosted the 2025 world premiere of DOLLY: A True Original Musical. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said, “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.”
Going in Person
- Buy only from the Fisher Center box office through Belmont’s official ticket link on the CMA’s event page. CMA says seats are extremely limited because the venue is small.
- It’s live TV. Get there early. A live broadcast starts on time, and late arrivals may not be seated right away.
- The Fisher Center is in Midtown on Belmont’s campus, about 2.5 miles from Lower Broadway. On a Wednesday night, a rideshare is simpler than hunting for parking on campus.
- Make a night of it: the Life of Many Colors museum is downtown, and Dolly’s SongTeller Hotel is on Commerce Street, steps from Broadway.
Coming for the Tribute?
Stay Near the Dolly Sites
Book downtown to walk to the museum and Broadway, then rideshare to Belmont for the show.
Hotels Near Dolly’s Nashville → All Nashville Hotels →What’s Next for Dolly Tributes in Nashville
- November 18: the 60th CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena, hosted by Lainey Wilson. CMA Awards guide →
- The airport: BNA’s board voted 6–0 on September 11 to begin renaming the airport for Dolly; the final name hasn’t been announced. Airport rename update →
- 2027: Dollyfest. Dolly’s estate has announced back-to-back weekend celebrations in Nashville and London. Dates, venues and the lineup haven’t been released yet.
- September 25: 9 to 5 Day. California made it an annual state day; a Tennessee bill comes up in January. 9 to 5 Day →
💡 Can’t Get Tickets?
Watch live at 8 p.m. CT on ABC or Disney+, or the next day on Hulu or Disney+.
→ Reba’s Dolly Parton Emmy Tribute
→ Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum
→ SongTeller Hotel Nashville
→ 9 to 5 Day for Dolly Parton
→ CMA Awards Nashville 2026
Details from the Country Music Association and Belmont University as of October 6, 2026. Lineups can change before a live broadcast; check the CMA’s event page for updates.