CMA Celebrates Dolly Parton; Partners With Belmont, Disney & NCVC For $1 Million Donation To Imagination Library

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“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Last night’s star-studded ABC special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, was a sparkling celebration of the light and love that Parton epitomized, filled with musical tributes to the icon the world is still mourning just months after her passing.

The show was packed with moving performances of Parton’s biggest hits, including Ella Langley‘s take on “Jolene,” Kelsea Ballerini performing “Here You Come Again,” Carly Pearce and Kristin Chenoweth on the Parton favorite “9 to 5,” and many more. Heartfelt memories of the superstar were shared on screen from stars like Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, and more, and Reba brought chills to the air with her stirring rendition of “He’s Alive” with the Belmont Singers.

Ashley McBryde offered up a quietly powerful performance of Parton’s signature “Coat of Many Colors,” Zac Brown shared his aptly named inspirational duet “Butterfly” during the tribute singing along with Parton, and Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull teamed for the poignant “When I Get Where I’m Going,” along with many other touching and heartfelt moments throughout the night.

Following last night’s tribute, the Country Music Association in collaboration with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp has revealed that its previously announced commitment to Dolly’s Imagination Library has resulted in a combined donation of $1 million. The donation honors another defining part of Dolly’s life: her deeply personal commitment to inspiring a love of reading and encouraging children to dream big. Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly launched the Imagination Library in East Tennessee in 1995 with a simple dream: to inspire a love of reading in young children.

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Conyers (President & Vice Chair, The Dollywood Foundation), Brittany Schaffer (Incoming CEO, CMA), Dr. Greg Jones (President, Belmont University) and Sarah Trahern (CEO, CMA) attend “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” at Belmont University’s Fisher Center on Oct. 21. Photo: Kayla Schoen/CMA

“Dolly has always brought people together, and we built last night’s event with that same intention,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “Because of the artists who took that stage and the partners who stood beside us, a night full of her music resulted in a $1 million donation to Imagination Library, so that children for years to come can open a mailbox and find a book with their name on it.”

Adds Brittany Schaffer, CMA Incoming CEO: “Through her music, her philanthropy and her heart, Dolly gave all of us a reason to come together. We are so proud that our community united for a magical evening that carries forward her legacy of love and literacy for generations of children around the world.”

“Dolly knew that a single book could change the course of a child’s life,” says Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University. “As a university, we see every day how a love of learning opens doors and shapes who young people become. It was a joy to celebrate her life on our campus, and we’re grateful to play a part in putting more books into children’s hands.”

“Last night’s celebration was a beautiful reminder of how Dolly spent her life bringing joy to people through her music and encouraging them to believe in their dreams,” says Jeff Conyers, President & Vice Chair, The Dollywood Foundation. “The Imagination Library is rooted in that same spirit, inspiring children to love reading and imagine all the possibilities ahead of them. I couldn’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate Dolly’s life than by investing in the dreams of future generations. We’re incredibly grateful to CMA, Belmont University, Disney, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp for making this generous gift possible.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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