Streaming Guide
The two-hour special features stars like Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson. Here’s how to tune in without paying
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CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton premieres tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 21, on ABC. The two-hour event, which will feature more than 16 different celebrity appearances — everyone from Zac Brown to Kristen Bell — is set to air from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
This TV production will celebrate the life of Dolly Parton, who died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80. While the live show will be filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, viewers at home can tune in for free with a trial to DirecTV or Fubo, or pay for a Hulu + Live TV or Sling subscription.
At a Glance: How to Watch CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton Online
- Channel: ABC, Disney+
- Date, time: Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 9 p.m. ET
- Stream: DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV
The program is produced by the Country Music Association (CMA), and according to ABC’s announcement, all ticket proceeds from the live show will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the charity founded by Parton that provides free books to children.
Where to Watch the Dolly Parton Tribute Special Online for Free
Those streaming the special at home can still expect a spectacular show with performances, videos, and special messages from some of Parton’s closest friends. If you can’t tune in tonight, you can also catch it on demand tomorrow on Hulu.
For those who want to watch live, there are four streaming options that offer immediate access once you sign up. We break down those platforms here.
Editor’s Pick
DirecTV
DirecTV is our choice for catching the Dolly Parton special because it’s fast and free (at least for five days before the trial ends). After that, ABC access starts at $64.99 per month.
Fubo
Fubo is currently offering a free trial as well. You can use it for five days to tune into ABC, after which pricing starts at $63.99 for your first month and $88.99 per month after that.
Sling
Sling doesn’t have a free trial, but if you want a more permanent, cost-effective way to watch ABC for the special and afterward, it’s one of your best bets.
Sling Blue carries the network and starts at $45.99 per month, while Sling Orange + Blue also includes the popular channel, along with other favorites, starting at $60.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV
Since the Dolly Parton tribute will air on ABC, you can also watch it with a Hulu + Live TV subscription. The downside is that there’s no free trial right now, so you’ll have to pay $49.99 for your first month, which is half off the full price of $99.99 per month.
The good news is that you can also watch it on Hulu tomorrow if you’re patient, with subscriptions starting at $12.49 per month.
What Time Is the Dolly Parton Special on Tonight?
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton airs tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on ABC. You can also watch live through participating streaming services or catch the special on demand on Hulu starting tomorrow.
Who Is Performing at the Dolly Parton Tribute?
A full list of performers is below, though surprise appearances are always possible. And if you’re looking for even more Dolly Parton programming, you can also check out tickets for Dolly: A True Original Musical here.
- Ashley McBryde
- Béla Fleck
- Brad Paisley
- Carly Pearce
- Carrie Underwood
- Darius Rucker
- Ella Langley
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Kristen Bell
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Lady A
- Lainey Wilson
- Little Big Town
- Lukas Nelson
- Molly Tuttle
- Reba McEntire
- Ricky Skaggs
- Sierra Hull
- Vince Gill
- Zac Brown