Celebrating Dolly Parton’s Legacy
The Country Music Association (CMA) is excited to announce a two-hour television special titled “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.” This event is dedicated to honoring the incredible life and contributions of Dolly Parton.
A Journey Through Dolly’s Career
During this special, viewers will have the opportunity to revisit key moments from Parton’s extraordinary career. From her humble beginnings in East Tennessee to her extensive journey as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, and philanthropist, the show will highlight her numerous achievements leading up to her passing on August 25.
Live Filming at Belmont University
The tribute will take place live at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville. Robert Deaton will serve as the executive producer for the event, which will include live performances, archival footage, and heartfelt personal anecdotes that showcase her rise to become a cherished global icon.
Words from CMA Leadership
Sarah Trahern, the CEO of CMA, expressed the significance of this tribute, stating, “Dolly Parton belonged to the whole world, but she was born of this industry. This organization has a responsibility to honor her legacy, and this special is our way of saying thank you on behalf of everyone who has found a connection in her music.”
Deaton’s Perspective
Robert Deaton shared his thoughts, saying, “Dolly gave Country Music its heart, and giving that heart back to her is an incredible honor. My hope is that we honor her story, her music, and the fans who love her, ensuring this evening reflects the tribute she deserves.”
Broadcast Details
The special will air live on Wednesday, October 21, from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with availability on Hulu the following day. This celebration is part of a long-standing relationship between Belmont University and Dolly Parton, which also includes the upcoming premiere of “DOLLY: A True Original Musical” in 2025.
Impact on Future Generations
Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University, remarked on Parton’s influence, saying, “Her impact goes beyond music, embodying creativity, generosity, and a commitment to uplifting others, which aligns with Belmont’s mission.” He emphasized the significance of celebrating her extraordinary life from Nashville.
Supporting Dolly’s Imagination Library
Both CMA and Belmont University are committed to donating proceeds from the event to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to millions of children monthly. Disney is also supporting this initiative, which aims to inspire children to dream big.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
Further details regarding performers, ticketing, and additional partners will be shared in the upcoming weeks. For ticketing updates, please check the official channels.
Source: countrynow.com