Wondering how to watch Dolly Parton’s tribute concert after missing the live broadcast? The emotional Nashville celebration is now available to stream, giving country music fans another chance to experience the unforgettable performances.
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, country music’s biggest stars gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.
The two-hour television special, titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, aired live on ABC and Disney+.
For fans who couldn’t watch the original broadcast, there’s good news.
The entire tribute is available on demand through Hulu and Disney+, according to the Country Music Association.
The concert featured heartfelt performances, personal memories, and some of Parton’s most beloved songs.
Here’s everything you need to know about watching the special and the unforgettable moments it included.
Where to Watch Dolly Parton’s Tribute Concert Online
Fans can watch Dolly Parton’s tribute concert through two major streaming services.
Hulu
The complete television special became available on Hulu on Thursday, October 22, one day after the original broadcast.
Subscribers can search for CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton to locate the program.
Access depends on your subscription and location.
Disney+
Disney+ also offers the tribute special for on-demand viewing.
The platform carried the original live broadcast on October 21 and now lists the program as available to stream.
Viewers should search for the full program title to find it.
Streaming availability and subscription requirements can vary by country.
When Did Dolly Parton’s Tribute Special Air?
The tribute aired on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The live broadcast began at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and concluded at 11 p.m.
The event took place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee.
Organized by the Country Music Association, the special celebrated Parton’s extraordinary career and humanitarian contributions.
It came nearly two months after her death on August 25, 2026, at age 80.
The evening brought together artists from different generations to honor a woman who helped shape country music.
Rather than focusing only on sadness, the concert celebrated her songs, personality, and lasting influence.
Carrie Underwood Delivers an Emotional Finale
One of the evening’s most memorable performances came from Carrie Underwood.
The country superstar performed Dolly Parton’s iconic ballad, “I Will Always Love You.”
Written by Parton in 1973, the song has become one of the most recognizable expressions of love and farewell in music history.
Underwood’s performance carried particular emotional significance during the tribute.
As the song approached its conclusion, more than 20 performers joined her onstage.
Together, they sang the final lines of the beloved classic.
The group performance brought the evening to an emotional close.
For fans watching at home, it offered a powerful reminder of how deeply Parton’s music influenced fellow artists.
The finale also demonstrated the continuing connection between generations of country performers.
Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton With “He’s Alive”
Reba McEntire was another major performer during the tribute.
The country legend delivered a rendition of “He’s Alive,” a song Parton recorded in 1989.
The gospel recording reflects themes of faith, hope, and resurrection.
McEntire’s performance brought a spiritual dimension to the evening.
Her participation was especially meaningful because she and Parton shared a long history of mutual admiration.
Both women helped establish important opportunities for female performers in country music.
Their careers demonstrated how country artists could remain influential across several decades.
For viewers who appreciate gospel music, McEntire’s performance was among the concert’s notable moments.
Vince Gill Opens the Evening With “A Few Old Memories”
Vince Gill helped establish the emotional atmosphere at the beginning of the concert.
He performed “A Few Old Memories” alongside Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle, and Béla Fleck.
The collaboration combined traditional country music with bluegrass influences.
Each musician contributed to the arrangement through vocals or instrumental performances.
Gill had a particularly meaningful connection to Parton’s musical legacy.
In 1995, the two artists recorded a duet version of “I Will Always Love You.”
Their collaboration earned the Country Music Association’s Vocal Event of the Year award.
By opening the tribute, Gill helped connect Parton’s musical history with the artists celebrating her life.
Every Major Performance From Dolly Parton’s Tribute Concert
The television special featured a wide range of artists performing songs associated with Dolly Parton.
Here is the reported performance lineup:
- Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle, and Béla Fleck: “A Few Old Memories”
- Ashley McBryde: “Coat of Many Colors”
- Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull: “When I Get Where I’m Going”
- Carly Pearce and Kristin Chenoweth: “9 to 5”
- Carrie Underwood: “I Will Always Love You”
- Darius Rucker: “Two Doors Down”
- Ella Langley: “Jolene”
- Kelsea Ballerini: “Here You Come Again”
- Lady A: “Islands in the Stream”
- Lainey Wilson and Molly Tuttle: “Train, Train”
- Little Big Town: “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”
- Lukas Nelson and Lainey Wilson: “You Can’t Make Old Friends”
- Reba McEntire: “He’s Alive”
- Zac Brown: “Butterfly”
The evening concluded with Carrie Underwood leading a group performance of “I Will Always Love You.”
The diverse song choices reflected different chapters of Parton’s career.
Some performances highlighted her playful personality, while others explored faith, friendship, love, and loss.
Together, they created a musical portrait of one of country music’s most influential artists.
Famous Friends Share Memories of Dolly Parton
The tribute included more than musical performances.
Several famous entertainers also participated through special appearances and recorded messages.
Among them were Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Goldie Hawn, Carol Burnett, Bono, and Katy Perry.
Their involvement demonstrated how far Parton’s influence reached beyond country music.
Throughout her career, she developed friendships and collaborations with performers from numerous entertainment industries.
She also became widely admired for her humor, generosity, and willingness to remain true to herself.
The television special gave those friends an opportunity to share their appreciation.
Archival footage helped viewers revisit important moments from Parton’s remarkable life.
The Tribute Also Supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
The Nashville celebration honored more than Dolly Parton’s musical achievements.
It also recognized her commitment to children’s literacy.
The Country Music Association, Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company, and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced a combined $1 million donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Parton established the book-gifting initiative in 1995.
The program provides free books to eligible young children through participating communities.
Over time, it expanded from East Tennessee to reach families internationally.
The contribution announced during the tribute supports the program’s continuing mission.
For Parton’s admirers, the donation represented an important part of her legacy.
Her music entertained millions, while her charitable work helped children discover the joy of reading.
Can You Watch Dolly Parton’s Tribute for Free?
The full tribute is officially available through Hulu and Disney+.
Both platforms generally require an eligible subscription.
Some viewers may qualify for promotional offers or trial periods, depending on their location and subscription history.
However, free-trial availability can change.
Fans who do not subscribe to either service can look for officially released performance clips and highlights.
The Country Music Association shares videos and updates through its social media channels.
Its official YouTube channel is also a useful place to check for authorized performances.
Not every song from the television special is guaranteed to be available as a separate video.
For the complete program, Hulu and Disney+ remain the officially advertised viewing options.
Why Dolly Parton’s Music Still Means So Much
Dolly Parton’s career extended across more than six decades.
She became known for her distinctive voice, remarkable songwriting, and ability to connect with listeners through deeply personal stories.
Songs such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” and “I Will Always Love You” became part of popular music history.
Her work also influenced artists far beyond country music.
Throughout her career, Parton demonstrated that creativity, humor, and compassion could exist alongside extraordinary professional success.
The Nashville tribute reflected those different qualities.
Some performers celebrated her musical talent.
Others remembered her kindness and encouragement.
And many recognized the opportunities she created for younger generations.
A Celebration Country Music Fans Will Remember
For fans who missed the original broadcast, the opportunity to stream Dolly Parton’s tribute offers a chance to experience a remarkable evening.
The concert brought together established legends, rising performers, and longtime friends.
Its performances highlighted the songs that made Parton one of America’s most beloved entertainers.
Carrie Underwood’s closing rendition of “I Will Always Love You” provided an especially meaningful conclusion.
Yet the program’s greatest message extended beyond any single performance.
It celebrated the extraordinary influence of a woman whose music and generosity touched generations.
Dolly Parton may be gone, but the songs she gave the world will continue to be heard, remembered, and loved.
Fans can watch CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton on Hulu or Disney+, subject to regional availability.
Which performance are you most excited to watch? Share your favorite Dolly Parton song in the comments.