Reba McEntire, Katy Perry and Kelsea Ballerini Turn Heads at Dolly Parton Tribute Red Carpet

Reba McEntire, Katy Perry and Kelsea Ballerini were among the stars attracting attention at the red carpet for CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, held Wednesday, October 21, in Nashville, Tennessee.

The two-hour television special brought together artists and entertainment figures to honour Dolly Parton, celebrating the late country music icon’s songwriting, career and lasting influence across generations.

The event took place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, with a lineup spanning country music, bluegrass and other corners of the entertainment industry.

Reba McEntire, Katy Perry and Kelsea Ballerini Among the Stars

McEntire, one of country music’s most recognisable performers, was among the high-profile names associated with the celebration. Her appearance reflected the close ties between Parton’s legacy and the artists who helped carry country music into new generations.

Kelsea Ballerini was also among the stars connected to the tribute, joining a wider gathering of performers whose careers have been shaped by the genre’s leading figures.

Katy Perry featured in the red-carpet coverage, bringing additional pop-culture attention to an event centred on Parton’s influence beyond country music.

Carrie Underwood was another major name at the gathering, while the event’s broader lineup included Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill, Little Big Town and Zac Brown.

The evening’s cross-generational lineup highlighted the reach of Parton’s music across different audiences and musical styles.

A Celebration of Dolly Parton’s Enduring Influence

The tribute, titled I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, honours Parton’s career as a singer, songwriter, entertainer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Her songwriting catalogue includes “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” two enduring songs that have travelled far beyond their original country music audience. Whitney Houston’s widely recognised recording of “I Will Always Love You” further expanded the song’s international reach.

The CMA programme combines live performances, archival footage and personal stories to revisit Parton’s career and the influence she had on fellow artists.

The special follows Parton’s death on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, making the gathering an occasion to reflect on her contribution to music and entertainment.

Tribute Supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

The celebration also supports a cause closely associated with Parton’s legacy. The Country Music Association and Belmont University announced that proceeds from the special will contribute to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-gifting initiative established in 1995.

The programme provides enrolled children with a free, age-appropriate book each month from birth until their fifth birthday, encouraging early literacy and reading.

Disney is also supporting the initiative, extending the charitable dimension of a tribute that celebrates both Parton’s entertainment career and her work beyond the stage.

How to Watch the CMA Tribute

The special was scheduled to air live on ABC and Disney+ on October 21, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, with availability on Hulu the following day.

With artists from multiple generations gathering to celebrate Parton’s catalogue and influence, the event places her enduring contribution to popular music at the centre of the evening.

For fans, the tribute offers a chance to revisit the songs and career of an artist whose work has influenced country music and reached audiences around the world.