Besides maybe Dolly herself flying down from heaven and making an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage, I truly can’t think of a better way to round out her special tribute night than with Carrie Underwood performing “I Will Always Love You.”
It takes a lot of guts, not to mention some seriously impressive vocals, to do Dolly’s 1974 hit justice. Famously re-recorded by Whitney Houston, the song has become one of those classics that only a select few artists can truly pull off. And when it comes to country music, there aren’t many singers capable of delivering the powerhouse vocals both women are known for. Luckily, the Country Music Association enlisted the help of one of those few stars to close out last night’s show.
Parton’s highly anticipated musical celebration finally aired on ABC last night (Oct. 21), with the two-hour-long CMA special showcasing a variety of artists taking on Dolly’s larger-than-life hits, including Ella Langley covering “Jolene,” Kelsea Ballerini singing “Here You Come Again,” Darius Rucker performing a jazzy rendition of “Two Doors Down,” and the list goes on. Throughout the night, the stage was lit up in glittering decor and butterfly motifs, with fellow performers such as Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Lady A, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Zac Brown Band, Ricky Skaggs, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, and, of course, Reba McEntire paying tribute.
Making Dolly proud, the American Idol Season 4 winner and current judge rounded out the night with a downright angelic rendition of Dolly’s beloved ballad. Dressed in a stunning white gown, Underwood effortlessly delivered a performance that stayed true to the beauty and simplicity of Dolly’s original version.
As the performance neared its end, her fellow artists lined up on either side of her, forming a star-studded backup choir for the final chorus. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Vince Gill and his wife Amy Grant, Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Reba McEntire, Katy Perry, Kristin Chenoweth, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, and the other performers joined together to sing the iconic ballad loud and proud.
Fair warning: I definitely shed a few tears during the tribute, but then again, I haven’t stopped getting emotional over Dolly since her passing on August 25. I truly couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to honor the legendary musician, philanthropist, and universally beloved Queen of Country Music.
And beyond the heartfelt performances, last night’s televised celebration also spurred a whopping $1 million donation on behalf of Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. To make your own donation in honor of the “9 to 5” singer, visit here.
Additionally, last night’s full performance is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.