# ABC’s ‘Celebration’ of Dolly Parton and Her ‘Eternal’ Contributions

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/abcs-celebration-of-dolly-parton-and-her-eternal-contributions/
- Published: 2026-10-27T18:40:27+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T19:49:26+00:00
- Original publisher: Billboard
- Original article: https://www.billboard.com/music/country/abcs-celebration-of-dolly-parton-1236369068/
- Topics: Art, Culture

## Key points

- ABC honoured Dolly Parton’s music and charitable legacy.
- The special featured 14 songs across several musical styles.
- Bono called Parton’s final recording with U2 unforgettable.

## Summary

ABC’s *CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton* honoured her music, career and charitable impact, while showing why her influence reaches beyond entertainment. Artists described Parton as a source of hope and belonging, and Vince Gill said her ability to bring people together is especially needed today.

The 21 October special featured a 14-song set spanning mountain music, country, crossover hits and spiritual themes. Performers included Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker, while video tributes came from Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Sabrina Carpenter, Goldie Hawn and Bono. Bono also recalled Parton’s vocal on U2’s “Torn”, described in the article as the final recording of her career.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.