The Country Music Association's two-hour tribute to Dolly Parton, "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," aired on ABC Oct. 21 live from Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Parton died around two months ago. Her family announced the singer's death via a social media video on Aug. 25.
The CMA special featured a number of country stars who paid their respects to Parton through music. Among the lineup was Knoxville native Kelsea Ballerini.
Watch Kelsea Ballerini's tribute to Dolly Parton at CMA tribute
Ballerini was one of 20 stars set to perform during the CMA's tribute to Parton. She was among other big names, such as Reba McEntire, who also performed a tribute to Parton at the 78th Emmy Awards.
Performing "Here You Come Again" from Parton's 1977 19th studio
album of the same name, Ballerini donned a very Parton-esque look: A floor-length, sequined, sparkly silver evening gown with a matching capelet.
In true Parton fashion, Ballerini was backed by butterfly motifs and visuals. Butterflies were a symbol loved by Parton, who featured them in the Dollywood logo, on an album cover and in her song "Love Is Like a Butterfly."
"Alright Nashville, I need you guys to sing this with me for our Tennessee queen, alright? Don't be shy," Ballerini said just before she began singing the bridge.
Who is Kelsea Ballerini?
Ballerini rose to fame in 2014 with her breakout song "Love Me Like You Mean It," according to Billboard. She broke a record with her debut single when it rose to No. 1 on the Mediabase country radio singles chart. Ballerini was the first female artist to do so since 2006, when Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel" reached No. 1, according to The Boot.
She continued to find success and has released a number of studio albums since her debut. Ballerini's fame skyrocketed with the release of her 2023 EP "Rolling up the Welcome Mat."
Before rising to fame and achieving feats such as a nomination for the Academy of Country Music Awards' “Entertainer of the Year” in 2025, Ballerini was just like Parton, an East Tennessee girl. Ballerini lived right here in Knoxville.
Ballerini attended Central High School and said her time at the North Knoxville school helped define her.
"I think that you really feel connected to in your life as you grow up, and those two years that I spent at Central were just like character defining and career defining and," Ballerini told Knox News in 2017. "It's one of the most special places in the world to me."
Ballerini's love for her high school and Knoxville is evident in her duet with fellow Knoxville native Kenny Chesney, "Half of My Hometown." The two pay tribute to Central High School in the lyrics.
The two sing, "they're still wearin' red and black. Go Bobcats," and "'cause half of me will always befrom Knoxville, Tennessee."
Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini's relationship
Ballerini and Parton have had a relationship with one another over the years. Before ever performing at Parton's tribute, Ballerini performed alongside the "Queen of Country" at the 57th ACM Awards in 2022.
Ballerini and Parton had a relationship with one another over the years. Before performing at Parton's tribute, Ballerini performed alongside the "Queen of Country" at the 57th ACM Awards in 2022.
That same year, Parton asked Ballerini to voice AnnieLee Keyes, the main character in "Run, Rose, Run," a book written by Parton and author James Patterson.
During their ACM performance, Ballerini and Parton sang “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans,” a song from Parton's album named for her book.
Recently, Ballerini gave back to her hometown and honored Parton by launching the Kelsea Ballerini Musicians on Call Program at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital.
How to watch 'CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton'
Stream "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" on Hulu
The tribute special is now available to stream on Hulu.
Afton Pratt covers trending and breaking news for Knox News and Tennessee. She can be reached at ampratt@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Kelsea Ballerini honors 'Tennessee queen' Dolly Parton with joyful cover at CMA tribute. Watch
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