Performances Ranked
Billboard • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at age 80, prompting a global mourning of her legacy as a music icon, entertainer, and humanitarian.
- On October 21, country music artists gathered at Belmont University in Nashville for "CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton," honoring her life, music, and philanthropic impact.
- The event featured performances and heartfelt speeches from notable artists like Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood, celebrating Parton's kindness, generosity, and influence.
- Video tributes from celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, and Bono highlighted Parton's broad cultural impact beyond country music.
- The Country Music Association, Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company, and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced a $1 million combined donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as part of the tribute.
