Some artists are remembered for their music. Others leave behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the stage. Dolly Parton was both, and the Country Music Association’s emotional tribute demonstrated just how deeply she influenced generations of performers and fans.
Sabrina Carpenter, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry were among the celebrities honoring the late country music legend during CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, broadcast live from Nashville on October 21, 2026.
The two-hour special celebrated Parton’s extraordinary career following her death on August 25 at age 80, bringing together musicians, actors and longtime friends to remember the woman behind some of country music’s most beloved songs.
Sabrina Carpenter, Julia Roberts and Oprah Remember Dolly Parton
Oprah opened the evening through a prerecorded video, reflecting on her connection with Parton as a fellow Tennessee native.
She praised the singer’s authenticity, determination and generosity, describing someone who remained completely comfortable being herself despite decades of international fame.
Julia Roberts offered another personal perspective.
The actress, who starred alongside Parton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, remembered being struck by her co-star’s energy and kindness when they first worked together.
Sabrina Carpenter also participated through a recorded message, celebrating Parton’s humor, warmth and ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Carpenter previously collaborated with Parton on a remix of her hit single Please Please Please, making the tribute particularly meaningful for the younger pop star.
Reflecting on Parton’s unique appeal, Carpenter concluded, “But there’s nobody like Dolly.”
Katy Perry Calls Dolly Parton the ‘Great Unifier’
One of the evening’s most memorable tributes came from Katy Perry, who took the stage to explain why Parton’s influence extended beyond musical genres and cultural divisions.
Perry described the country legend as the “Great Unifier,” emphasizing her ability to connect with people holding different political beliefs, identities and perspectives.
Rather than focusing exclusively on Parton’s glamorous public image, Perry highlighted her intelligence, generosity and instinct for treating people with compassion.
“For me, Dolly is the blueprint,” she declared.
Carol Burnett contributed a particularly touching memory, recalling how Parton once surprised her with a homemade meal during their time working together.
Bono and Goldie Hawn also participated in the tribute.
Country Music Stars Celebrate Dolly’s Lasting Legacy
The Nashville event featured performances from more than 20 artists, including Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Kelsea Ballerini and Brad Paisley.
The lineup reflected Parton’s remarkable ability to influence performers across different generations of country music.
But the celebration also recognized her achievements beyond entertainment.
The CMA and Belmont University pledged a donation from the event’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the children’s literacy initiative she founded in 1995.
According to Parton’s official website, the program had distributed more than 325 million free books by June 2026.
That philanthropic work helps explain why so many celebrities spoke about her character rather than simply her greatest hits.
The tribute aired on ABC and Disney+, with streaming availability on Hulu and Disney+ beginning October 22.
For an artist whose songs became part of countless personal memories, the evening offered a fitting reminder that her greatest achievement may have been making people feel connected.
