Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood join forces with Reba McEntire at I Will Always Love You tribute concert for Dolly Parton

DAILYMAIL.COM • 2h ago

By SHARON MAI, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER 07:01 22 Oct 2026, updated 07:01 22 Oct 2026

Reba McEntire led a heartfelt series of performances at the I Will Always Love You tribute concert dedicated to the late icon Dolly Parton.

McEntire, 71, and a multitude of the biggest names in country, roots and bluegrass music gathered at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville on Wednesday evening.

At the event formally titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, musicians including Katy Perry, 41, and Carrie Underwood, 43, also took the stage with emotional and sentimental messages for the late music legend.

The red carpet was teeming with star power as many top and rising singers remembered and honored the legacy left behind by the superstar, who died at the age of 80 on August 25.

In addition to McEntire, the star-studded lineup featured musical artists and special guests including Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Kristin Chenoweth, and Carly Pearce.

Also in attendance were fellow country crooners and acclaimed musicians, like Ella Langley, Lady A, Darius Rucker, Ashley McBryde and many more.

For the occasion, McEntire arrived wearing a vibrant, velvet green blazer paired with a statement necklace.

She later changed into a stunning, white dress with fringed sleeves for her performance.

She and more than 20 other musicians performed covers of Parton’s songs from her acclaimed, decades-spanning discography.

The two-hour television special aired live on ABC and Disney+ and will be available for next-day streaming on Hulu.

Proceeds from the tribute concert benefit Parton’s Imagination Library.

At the end of the event, all of the performers of the night, which also included Zac Brown, Sierra Hull, Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle and Amy, gathered onstage together in front of a black-and-white photo of Parton as they performed her iconic ballad.

Perry also took the stage to introduce some of the acts for the night.

The pop star wore a silk slip dress with a mix of orange and brown patterns from the low-cut neckline all the way down to the bottom of the waterfall, asymmetrical skirt.

Her hair was styled in messy beach waves to go with the natural tones of her dress for the meaningful tribute concert.

Underwood wore a princess-like, white gown with a voluminous tulle skirt as well as colorful, intricate embroidery.

Kelsea Ballerini was also present at the star-studded tribute concert and looked ethereal in a white gown with a low back and dramatic, feather boa-inspired sleeve details.

Later, she changed into a sparkly number and was draped top-to-bottom in dazzling refractions as she sang and swayed in a sequined and fringed dress.

Choosin’ Texas hitmaker Ella Langley also attended to honor the beloved superstar.

She was seen posing on the red carpet in a champagne gold minidress covered in sparkles and featuring a pink butterfly as a centerpiece detail as a touching homage to Parton.

Brad Paisley was also part of the incredible lineup and he arrived with his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley with him to show her support.

Zac Brown also performed one of Parton’s hits as a tribute to her iconic life and legacy.

He wore a classic, dark outfit featuring a button-down blazer and a cowboy hat as he sang in front of a lavish display of flowers onstage.

For the special event, Lainey Wilson wore a stunning pink number paired with her signature cowboy hat as an homage to the beloved and vivacious music star.

She gave a short speech while introducing one of the performances and also went on to sing a cover alongside Lukas Nelson.

At one point during their duet, the pair shared a touching moment and held hands.

Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood of Lady A also took the stage together for another heartfelt performance as a tribute to Parton.

Kristin Chenoweth and Carly Pearce also channeled Parton’s iconic style for the tribute concert.

They arrived in head-to-toe sparkles and luscious locks before performing a duet dedicated to the late legend.

They later took the stage in fun, fringe-covered minidresses paired with sky-high stilettos for a vibrant performance together.

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