CMA will honor Dolly Parton in a two-hour live TV event on ABC and Disney+

An honor for an icon.

The Country Music Association announced it will produce a two-hour live television event in tribute to Dolly Parton, who passed away August 25 after a brief battle with cancer.

"CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" will be filmed at Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville and will celebrate the artist, singer, songwriter, actor, humanitarian and entrepreneur with special performances, archival footage and personal stories that chronicle her illustrious career.

"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," CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said in a statement. "As the organization built to serve and celebrate country music, honoring her legacy is not just an opportunity; it is our responsibility. This special is our way of saying thank you, on behalf of every artist, industry member and fan who found a piece of themselves in her music."

"Dolly gave country music its heart, and giving some of that heart back to her is an incredible honor," said Robert Deaton, the special's executive producer. "My hope is simply that we do right by her story, her music and the people who love her, so that this evening feels like the tribute my friend deserves."

CMA and Belmont University will donate proceeds from the event to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which gives millions of children the gift of a free book each month. Disney is also supporting Imagination Library to further its mission of inspiring children to imagine their possibilities.

"Dolly Parton's impact extends far beyond music. She represents creativity, generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to lifting others up, qualities that have inspired generations and resonate deeply with Belmont's mission," said Dr. Greg Jones, president of Belmont University. "It was an honor for Belmont to partner with Dolly through the launch of DOLLY U and the world premiere of her musical at the Fisher Center. Now, it is a privilege to welcome artists, friends and fans from around the world to celebrate her extraordinary life and legacy from this stage in Nashville, honoring a woman whose love for Tennessee was woven into everything she did."

"CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" airs October 21 on ABC and Disney+ and will stream on Hulu the next day.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Hulu and this ABC station.