Some of country music's biggest stars gathered to celebrate the memory of Dolly Parton on Oct. 21 for the live television special “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton."
Held at Belmont University's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the two-hour tribute featured fond memories from some of Parton's closest friends and admirers, in addition to riveting performances. Reba McEntire opened the event and performers throughout the night included Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Zac Brown and many more.
The night's top moments were hard to choose from, but here are just a few.
Lainey Wilson starts the night on "Night Train to Memphis"
With bejeweled butterflies and flowers all over the stage, Lainey Wilson
delivered the night's first performance in bluegrass style. Backed by Molly Tuttle and Vince Gill on guitar, Béla Fleck on banjo and Ricky Skaggs on mandolin, she tore into one of Parton's classics "Night Train to Memphis."
It took place on the same stage where Parton previewed her Broadway musical, "DOLLY: A True Original Musical," last summer. The autobiographical production makes its official debut Jan. 19 at the St. James Theatre in New York City, on what would have been Parton's 81st birthday.
Oprah celebrates a fellow "Tennessee girl"
Media superstar Oprah Winfrey shared a heartfelt video message about what Parton meant to her. Coming out of a commercial break early in the show, she noted they were "both Tennessee girls." Parton grew up in Sevierville, while Winfrey spent part of her childhood in Nashville.
Winfrey highlighted Parton's originality as an inspiration, along with her kindness.
"She represented the essence of being 100 percent who you see yourself to be," Winfrey said with a thoughtful smile. "I love that she was so generous of heart and so generous of spirit."
Ella Langley gives "Jolene" some Alabama twang
From a current country superstar to an all-time icon, Langley performed Parton's legendary "Jolene." Stepping onstage in a crisp white gown with glittering sleeves, the "Choosin' Texas" star performed the iconic hit in classic style. She stood alone in the spotlight at center stage, backed by a full band and singers.
While a sold-out crowd looked on in Belmont's Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Langley's Alabama twang gave the ballad of romantic desperation a new flair. It first came out in 1973 and has become one of Parton's most enduring hits. Langley stepped forward and nailed the song's breakdown bridge before the iconic beat kicked back in.
Carly Pearce and Kristin Chenoweth sing "9 to 5"
With the stage bathed in bright hues of pink, blue and more, two expert stage performers captured the fun-loving spirit of "9 to 5." The upbeat work-life anthem has become one of Parton's most enduring songs.
Kristin Chenoweth is best known for the Broadway role of Glinda the Good Witch in "Wicked." But she also had a country career and was joined by hitmaker Carly Pearce, who got her first singing gig at Dollywood and was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by Parton in a 2021 surprise. They went back and forth on the high-energy hit, before standing back-to-back for a big finish.
Little Big Town share a peaceful feeling on "Light of a Clear Blue Morning"
The celebrated vocal quartet Little Big Town gave the audience a refreshing dose of inspiration on "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," Parton's 1977 anthem of rejuvenation.
With the band's Kimberly Schlapman in a blazing orange gown and Karen Fairchild dressed in floral sparkles, the group gave the inspiring track a loving, harmony-rich remake. All about emerging from tough times into a new beginning, the beautiful ballad rose into a gospel anthem backed by piano and a full band. Little Big Town left the crowd with a sense of peace, and the parting lyrics "Everything's gonna be alright / It's gonna be OK."
Reba honors Dolly's faith
Reba McEntire has been one of Parton's close friends for many years. At the top of the show, she choked up describing the icon as "one of the greatest people I have ever been blessed to know," and said the night was a celebration of Dolly's "heart, kindness, generosity and humor." It was also a reflection of Parton's faith.
McEntire teamed up with the Belmont University choir for a powerful rendition of "He's Alive." Recounting the story of Jesus' resurrection, the song started off as a recitation with McEntire commanding the stage. The choir then joined for a triumphant chorus which highlighted Parton's unabashed and nonjudgmental sense of belief. It brought the crowd to its feet.
Zac Brown Sings with Dolly on "Butterfly"
Of all the performances, the first time we actually heard Parton sing was on a special duet with country artist Zac Brown. Titled "Butterfly," Brown explained that he didn't start out writing the song for Parton, but eventually realized she would be perfect to help him sing it. Once he asked her, he said she told him it was a hit.
As Brown started the uplifting ballad, he was backed by a piano and full band. Soon, Parton's smoky vocal joined in for a stunning verse, while the camera lingered on a wall of live flowers in the design of a butterfly, Parton's unofficial symbol. With a message of encouragement, the song was all about convincing someone they are stronger than they think. In truth, they can transform and "fly out of the darkness."
Carrie Underwood closes the show
Country superstar Carrie Underwood closed the two-hour tribute with a breathtaking rendition of Parton's legendary ballad, "I Will Always Love You."
Both delicate and powerful at the same time, her performance started out on a stage drenched in neon pink. Standing in a white gown embellished with butterflies, she delivered the anthem of enduring love, even after two people grow apart, like a vocal masterclass.
After the song's bridge, all of the night's performers returned to help Underwood finish the tune. Standing in an unbroken line, their message was for Dolly herself: "We will always love you."
Other performers on the night included Ashley McBryde, Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, and Lukas Nelson.
“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton" aired live on ABC and Disney+ in the U.S. and internationally, and was set to be available on Hulu the following day.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dolly Parton TV tribute: See the top moments from the Nashville show
