TV
Dolly Parton Tribute Special Lineup: Reba, Carrie, Kristen Bell and More
ABC and the Country Music Association revealed the star-studded lineup for a two-hour celebration of Dolly Parton, airing Oct. 21.
According to TheWrap, the full roster for "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" was announced Monday on "Good Morning America." The two-hour special will feature more than 20 performers, including Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Kristen Bell and Brad Paisley.
TheWrap reports that the lineup also includes Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are set as special guests. Additional surprise names will be revealed during the broadcast.
A standout inclusion is a performance from a Belmont University student ensemble, part of the school's ongoing "Dolly U" program. The celebration will be broadcast from the Nashville university's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
The tribute honors Parton, who died Aug. 25 at age 80 from cancer-related complications. Her nephew and longtime head of security, Bryan Seaver, announced her death and shared a statement: "I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven't truly felt it until now. It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus. Surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens."
The celebration airs Oct. 21 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ in domestic and international territories, with a Hulu stream the next day. Robert Deaton is executive producing.
Now, about those surprise guests. My theory? The show's built around Parton's most famous songs, so expect at least one duet that mirrors her own iconic partnerships. Maybe a posthumous technology-assisted appearance? I'm saying too much. Let's just wait and have the Kleenex ready.
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