10/21/2026
Dolly Parton’s Star-Studded Tribute Airs Tonight: How to Watch the CMA Special Online for Free
The two-hour ABC special brings together generations of country stars for a night of performances, memories and tributes.
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Dolly Parton Michael Buckner/PMC
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Country music’s biggest names are coming together for one unforgettable night celebrating the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton airs tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The two-hour special brings together Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini and more to honor the country legend, who died Aug. 25 at age 80.
livestream tHE Dolly Parton Tribute free with directv
Broadcast live from Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the tribute will feature musical performances, archival footage and personal stories spanning Parton’s six-decade career. And with more than a dozen artists taking the stage, fans can expect plenty of familiar songs and a few surprises along the way.
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Don’t have cable? No problem. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the Dolly Parton tribute special live online, including how to stream it for free.
At a Glance: How to Watch the Dolly Parton Tribute Special Online
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
- Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
- TV Channel: ABC, Disney+
- Live Streaming: DirecTV, Fubo, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV
- Watch for Free: DirecTV and Fubo free trials
- On Demand: Hulu beginning Oct. 22
How to Watch the Dolly Parton Tribute Special Online for Free
The Dolly Parton tribute airs live on ABC and Disney+ tonight, but you don’t need a traditional cable subscription to tune in. Live TV streaming services like DirecTV and Fubo carry ABC in eligible markets and offer free trials for new subscribers.
If you already have Disney+, you can watch the celebration as it airs. Otherwise, here’s a breakdown of the streaming services offering access to tonight’s special.
DirecTV
editor’s pick
DirecTV
Comes with a five-day free trial.
DirecTV is one of our top picks for watching the Dolly Parton tribute live without cable. The service offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers, with ABC included in eligible packages. Its MyNews plan starts at $39.99 per month for the first two months, making it another option for those looking to keep watching after the special.
FuboTV
Unlimited dvr
Fubo
Fubo is an affordable option offering a five-day free trial for new users who sign up.
Fubo also offers a five-day free trial, giving new subscribers access to ABC and other live channels in participating markets. Plans currently start at $63.99 for the first month, increasing to $88.99 per month afterward.
Sling TV
600+ free channels
Sling TV
Sling Orange & Blue comes with 50+ broadcast and cable channels.
Sling TV is another option for catching the tribute live, though ABC availability depends on your location. Sling Blue starts at $45.99 per month, while the combined Sling Orange + Blue package starts at $60.99 per month. Unlike DirecTV and Fubo, Sling doesn’t currently offer a free trial. All plans also include free cloud DVR storage and access to more than 600 additional free channels.
Hulu
No Hidden Fees
Hulu + Live TV
Comes with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited.
Already have Hulu + Live TV? You can tune in to the tribute live on ABC. New subscribers can currently get their first month for $49.99, half off the regular $99.99 monthly price.
If you don’t mind waiting until Thursday, Oct. 22, the special will also be available on demand through Hulu and Disney+. Standard Hulu subscriptions start at $12.49 per month, making it a more affordable option for those who don’t need to watch live.
Who Is Performing at the Dolly Parton Tribute Special?
It wouldn’t be a Dolly Parton celebration without an impressive lineup of country music royalty. Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and Kelsea Ballerini are among the stars honoring the singer, alongside Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town, Lady A, Vince Gill and Zac Brown.
The celebration also goes beyond country music, with appearances from Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth and bluegrass musicians Béla Fleck, Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley will make special appearances, with additional surprise tributes expected throughout the evening.
The night will also celebrate Parton’s generosity offstage. The CMA and Belmont University will donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the nonprofit she founded in 1995 that provides free books to children around the world.
livestream tHE Dolly Parton Tribute free with directv
CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton airs tonight, Oct. 21, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
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