An Honest Review of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” Tribute
Dolly’s gone, but she definitely won’t be forgotten. On Wednesday evening, October 21st, the Country Music Association assembled an all-star cast to pay tribute to the country queen at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University in Nashville. The two-hour special broadcast live on ABC was really the biggest moment so far for fans and performers alike to remember and pay tribute to Dolly.
The presentation would start and finish off strong, had some really touching moments in the form of both performances and oral remembrances worth remarking on and revisiting, yet meandered at times in the middle portions as mediocre talent was exposed for being pretty incapable of properly paying Dolly tribute, let alone evoking her memory, or presenting an inspiring moment. The special also was somewhat bisected by word of another Hall of Famer John Anderson passing away, with the news breaking in the middle of the tribute.
The presentation started where Dolly Parton started, with acoustic instruments, and the roots of bluegrass in east Tennessee. Vince Gill, Molly Tuttle, Ricky Skaggs, and Béla Fleck commenced the celebration with the old Hazel Dickens song “A Few Old Memories” that Dolly recorded on her 1999 album My Grass Is Blue. And right out of the chute, any worry that this special wouldn’t be reverent to Dolly’s deep roots in country music were put to bed as pictures from her career were displayed behind the stage.
Reba McEntire then came out on stage to speak. Reba would be one of the recurring characters of the evening. “We could be here all night talking about the songs she’s written, the awards she won … but tonight is not about that,” Reba explained, before continuing on that Dolly was “exactly who God made [her] to be. She never tried to fit into someone else’s idea of who she ought to be … Who we saw on stage is who Dolly was off stage too. Authentic. She became more that an songwriter or an entertainer. She became hope.”
“Authenticity” would be evoked numerous times during the presentation, from personalities inside of country music, and out like Dolly friend Oprah Winfrey. After the first couple of performances, a video montage played chronicling Dolly’s life as a little girl growing up in a one room cabin, to getting started in the music business with Uncle Bill, to debuting on the Porter Wagoner Show.
Lainey Wilson then came out to lead the same bluegrass ensemble that started the show off with a version of “Train, Train,” including Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle, and fiddle player Stuart Duncan all taking hot leads. Lainey might’ve been a little loud and outspoken for the otherwise acoustic arrangement, but it did give some star power to an otherwise second straight bluegrass offering to start the show.
Ashley McBryde then came out to sing one of Dolly Parton’s signature songs, “Coat of Many Colors” in a very strong, if not slightly understated performance that included recitation of one of the verses. Then after Katy Perry came out for a speech and remembrance, the woman of the moment, Ella Langley, took the stage to sing another one of Dolly’s signature songs, “Jolene.” Similarly, it felt strong, but understated, especially since the performance was set in a lower key so Langley could be comfortable, which unfortunately took out all the sweet notes and opportunities for a spine-tingling “moment.”
After the initial bluegrass sets and the blazing vocals and instrumentation they illustrated, these next performances highlighted how there really are few who could ever do Dolly’s greatest songs the same justice that Dolly could herself, or at least not from the current crop of mainstream country talent. It’s fair to wonder if someone like Miley Cyrus or Sierra Ferrell could have done these songs better, and resulted in more memorable performances.
Later the video retrospective resumed and picked up with Dolly Parton leaving Porter Wagoner and writing “I Will Always Love You,” crossing over to pop with “Here You Come Again,” and getting into acting. Kelsea Ballerini came out to perform “Here You Come Again,” once again set in a lower key, likely to remain in the comfort zone of Ballerini’s range, and once again robbing the performance of any fireworks or goosebump moments. At one point, Kelsea had to lower the mic, and let a backup singer hit what was still only a moderately “high” note.
After an introduction by Little Big Town, Darius Rucker then came out to perform “Two Doors Down.” The performance at times was pitchy, and was just a little perplexing why this artist, and this song were selected for this presentation, except that having Hootie on the presentation helped goose the name recognition for folks outside of country. This was followed by Carly Pearce with Kristen Chenoweth yet again giving a lowered register performance that felt underwhelming.
Julia Roberts gave a great speech via recorded video, as did Oprah Winfrey, Bono, Goldie Hawn, Carol Burnett, and others during the presentation. Lady A came out to perform “Islands in the Stream.” And once again, all the big notes were rendered inert by the key selected.
But the tail end of the presentation is where the performances finally began to soar again. Lukas Nelson came out to sing “You Can’t Make Old Friends” with Lainey Wilson joining in. That’s when we finally heard those sweet notes, and you felt like you were witnessing unique talent on stage. Little Big Town sang an intimate rendition of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” that also felt more inspired.
Amy Grant came out to then talk about Dolly Parton’s faith, and how important it was to her, and guided so many of the decisions and choices throughout her life. To follow this up, Reba McEntire came out to sing “He’s Alive”—a song Dolly sang live many times, including famously on the 1989 CMA Awards in a now legendary performance. When Reba reached the final chorus and was backed by a Gospel choir, we finally got one of those spine-tingling moments we’d been waiting for, and the capacity crowd came to its feet in one of the evening’s few standing ovations.
Zac Brown didn’t sing a Dolly Parton song. But he did sing a song that he sang with Dolly Parton called “Butterfly” that was released in 2025. Zac said he didn’t write it initially about Dolly Parton. But that’s what the song became the more he pondered on it, and that’s why he asked her to sing on it. With Dolly’s portion piped in as a backing track, Zac Brown performed a very powerful live rendition of the song, with shots of the butterfly-arranged flower arrangements flanking the stages working as the stand-in for Dolly’s presence.
Then Brad Paisley came out to perform “When I Get Where I’m Going,” a song he also sang as a duet with Dolly, but with bluegrass maestro Sierra Hull singing Dolly’s parts and playing mandolin. It felt like one of the most inspired performances of the evening heading into the home stretch.
But throughout the whole night, we knew someone would have to sing “I Will Always Love You.” We knew it would be emotional, and we knew that it would take someone with an incredible voice to pull off the feat. We didn’t know it would be Carrie Underwood, but it made total sense when she walked out on stage. Along with Reba’s performance, it was a highlight of the night. Underwood was joined by Reba and the rest of the performers for the final portion of the celebration.
“I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” was probably worth the time investment, even if it could have been bolstered by allowing some of the artists to make more bold performances, or finding artists who could have been more bold with Dolly Parton songs. Where were the artists who can sing those soaring Dolly Parton songs? Where was Dolly Parton’s family like Stella Parton?
But overall, even getting a two-hour special in prime time was a true and worthy honor to the Dolly Parton legacy, and ultimately, a lot of great memories and music was shared.
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October 22, 2026 @ 9:10 am
Any reason why Miley Cyrus wasn’t involved in this Trig? I would have assumed given their close connection she would have been.
Also would have loved to have someone take on Dolly’s Travelin Thru, although I realize that’s be considered too risky in this day and age.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:17 am
Travelin’ Through would have been cool.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:20 am
Miley had 2 big shows on the west coast this weekend, after not doing big concerts for a couple of years, and probably wouldn’t have had enough time to prepare and practice for a live TV show on Tuesday.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:36 am
I watched a clip of Miley doing a tribute to Dolly at one of those concerts. She was super emotional. Could have been a scheduling conflict that kept her from participating, could also be that as close as she was to Dolly, it was just too painful. We will probably never know.
October 23, 2026 @ 3:59 am
Dolly is Miley’s godmother and a distant cousin.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:22 am
When you’re trying to put something like this together, it’s super difficult to coordinate so many different schedules, and it’s not like they have the pick of the litter when it comes to talent. But I do feel like it would have benefited the presentation to find some artists who’ve proven to be able to turn in killer performances of Dolly Parton songs like Miley Cyrus and “Jolene,” or Sierra Ferrell and “Coat of Many Colors” that could have resulted in more memorable “moments.” Instead, they were lowering keys to make for safe performances of songs to fit the performers, and not the moment.
October 22, 2026 @ 3:15 pm
No matter what the performers sang nobody is satisfied. People need to really look in the mirror before criticizing anyone. If ur not happy dint watch it!
October 22, 2026 @ 8:06 pm
Excellent analysis. Lucas Nelson and Lainey Wilson, Zac Brown; Bono; Brad Paisley, Vince & Co. Little Big Town were great. Other artists who were chosen for their current draw power drove home how unique Dolly’s voice was and left us missing her all the more.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:13 am
It was an emotional tribute for her fans. Like you said, it felt like a lot of performers “backed off” some of Dolly’s songs, but Reba’s performance was amazing. Also glad they worked in Barbara Mandrell – she and Dolly were such close friends and their careers were linked in a lot of ways.
It was a fitting send off for a true queen and hero.
October 22, 2026 @ 6:39 pm
Just wish they would have had a picture of her husband and her they were married a long time.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:24 am
I think Carrie was the obvious choice, given that in the CMA’s Forever Country mashup written by Shane MacAnally it was Carrie who sung I Will Always Love You.
Very fair write-up.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:36 am
I’m curious that you are OK with the choice of Carrie Underwood. I’m not saying she didn’t do well. I was pleasantly surprised that she did such a moving performance and stayed true to Dolly’s nature of the song without bringing Whitney Houston’s stuff into it.
My first choice was Reba for it. I was hoping that Reba’s not performing early meant they were saving her for last. When she performed, “I’m Alive,” (i’m not christian but it’ shard to argue that it wasn’t a powerful performance; i can’t knock the choice there) I was actually hoping for Vince Gill. Vince Gill RECORDED the song with her! How appropriate would it have been for Vince himself to sing one last time with Dolly herself doing the duet part. So while I’m not crtiicizing Carrie’s performance – she did a remarkable job – I did not agree with the CMA’s choice here.
Overall, I think it was a fair tribute, and much better than the Opry’s.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:51 am
Can Reba sing “I Will Always Love You” in Dolly’s original key? Reba’s amazing, but that’s such a difficult song. Carrie Underwood is one of the very few that can pull it off on live TV, and I felt like Reba got her “moment.” Vince couldn’t have gone where Reba went with “I’m Alive,” and maybe they wanted to keep the Dolly backing track performance exclusive to Zac Brown, who I thought did a surprisingly good job on a good song.
The final portions of the show I thought were really strong all the way around.
October 22, 2026 @ 10:37 am
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I hear you. i’m Alive is a powerful song, and i’m sure Reba chose that on purpose.
It’s possible that some of my hesitations regarding Carrie Underwood stem from the fact that I still don’t see her as a traditional country artist like Dolly was, so having her up there was automatically a let-down. Again, I’m not criticizing Carrie’s performance. She did a masterful, meaningful performance that was true to Dolly’s intentions with the song. Perhaps it’s my own hesitation about Carrie in general and I should just get over it… but I can’t help but be a little disappointed.
I agree with you in general that the last few performances were pretty spectacular.
October 22, 2026 @ 11:41 am
In many ways, Carrie was the perfect choice. Yes, she is certainly very popular oriented, but she has always been a great ambassador for country music. She pays her Opry dues and has always shown tremendous respect for the traditional artists who came before her. Given the difficulty of that song and the limited number of people who could pull it off, I think the CMAs made the right choice.
October 22, 2026 @ 12:29 pm
“It’s possible that some of my hesitations regarding Carrie Underwood stem from the fact that I still don’t see her as a traditional country artist like Dolly…”
Dolly was never a traditional country artist, her music has always defied genre (she was every genre in one). Underwood was likely the only one who could sing “I Will Always Love You.”
October 23, 2026 @ 9:57 am
I’m sorry to hear you’re not a Christian, Dolly, Carrie and Reba are. The songs were great and they were. I’m a Christian and I believe that God uses people in different ways. I pray that He touches your heart and you will receive Him as your Lord and Savior. ❤️🙏
October 22, 2026 @ 9:42 am
Like many others, I feel like Miley would’ve been perfect. Carter, Kaitlin, and Emily Ann also have had killer Dolly tributes. But at least we got Reba and Lainey
October 22, 2026 @ 9:46 am
Yes, I think Carter Faith, Kaitlin Butts, And Emily Ann Roberts would have all done better than other performers, and all three of them are in Nashville, and on major labels. I get why they’re not calling up Sierra Ferrell. She’s not in the Rolodex, and she’s signed to Rounder Records which is part of the AMA, not the CMA. But find the talent that can do the job. Is Lady A and Little Big Town really big ratings pullers these days? Let’s give some new performers an opportunity to shine on national television.
October 22, 2026 @ 1:43 pm
I’d add Brandi Carlile. You could have given her any song, same as Sierra Ferrell and they would have knocked it out of the park.
You almost wonder whether the Americana association could put together their own tribute night with, Sierra, Brandi, Margo Price, Kaitlin Butts, Molly Tuttle, Alison Krauss, Sierra Hull, Gillian Welch, Noeline Hoffman.
October 23, 2026 @ 8:51 am
This wasn’t about bring a platform for new performers, it was a tribute to Dolly sung by people she worked with. Also they had to work with people who were available.
New performers are new performers and don’t deserve to get a showcase at something like this. If they are good, they will succeed.
October 23, 2026 @ 9:18 am
“New performers are new performers and don’t deserve to get a showcase at something like this.”
Strongly disagree with this sentiment. Is Ella Langley not a “New” performer? Why did she get an opportunity?
Totally understand you can’t put a wish list together and get everyone on it. But trying to get the artist who can best represent Dolly’s music and legacy is the best way to pay her proper tribute. Sure, you need star power too, and you can do both with Reba, Carrie Underwood, etc. But others were there just because of their names, and it was a disservice to the presentation.
This tribute was not bad. But the mushy middle potions likely had people tuning out.
October 22, 2026 @ 10:15 am
Overall, I was disappointed by the quality of the sound, and the production of the show. Most performances lacked the emotional impact they should have had. There wasn’t a moment where the hair stood up on the back of my neck and the tingles went down my spine. I felt Dolly deserved better.
October 22, 2026 @ 10:19 am
Alison Krauss was noticeable in her absence. She’s on vocal rest right now, but would’ve been a fabulous addition to the show. She and Dolly worked together multiple times.
October 22, 2026 @ 10:31 am
Alison Krauss would have been another good name to include compared to some others.
October 22, 2026 @ 10:28 am
The most emotional moment for me was the Brad and Sierra duet. It was intimate yet powerful.
October 23, 2026 @ 7:22 am
I honestly don’t know how Brad kept it together. I would have been a mess!
October 22, 2026 @ 10:28 am
I was late to turn it on, right before 9 to 5. Agree with a lot of this. The whole thing honestly just reminded me that nobody can sing Dolly, not really. I was shocked that Zac Brown was there, and shocked that his song was actually good, but piping Dolly’s vocals in really underscored the point.
I also love that Brad Paisley song, and Sierra hung in there, but she just couldn’t soar over it like Dolly would. Finally, bless Carrie Underwood for not just belting it out like I thought for sure she would. Still could have used a bit slower build up.
I did enjoy the special, but I think the remembrances were probably the best part. And Reba.
October 22, 2026 @ 10:32 am
I too was pleasantly surprised by the Zac Brown performance. He’s so all over the place these days. It would have been cheesy if they had piped in Dolly all night to sing duets. But it worked with Zac.
October 22, 2026 @ 10:53 am
I don’t mean to change the subject, but this is important — has anybody confirmed Tanya’s current health after she said she was bleeding internally at the HOF ceremony but delayed the ER trip? Very concerned.
October 22, 2026 @ 11:46 am
Why are people condemning the people in the tribute?I think it was beautiful in every way!Dolly was the only Wonderful,talented,and caring person we all knwI also would.like to say Reba was great hit you right the heart Dolly will always love us all and I am heartbroken she’s no longer with us ,but I know she will never be forgotten 💔 And God what a scenery Dolly the monarch!I loved all the butterflies i have a few myself.Rest in Peace Dolly NOBODY WILL EVER TAKE YOU R PLACE !THE COAT OF MANY COLORS WAS BEAUTIFUL, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MISS DOLLY
October 22, 2026 @ 12:08 pm
I don’t think anyone is “condemning” the artists in the tribute. Obviously, Dolly touched all of them in some way and it was good of them all to show up to pay tribute to her. Having said that, there’s nothing wrong with discussing the vocal performances of the artists or wondering why some artists were included and others weren’t. But, there hasn’t been any condemnation that I have seen in any of these comments and certainly not in the article itself.
October 22, 2026 @ 12:24 pm
I guess I feel like ” It’s the thought that counts.” I have seen the old clips of Ella, I am sure she could have done a better Jolene. I know they can’t do it like Dolly. I almost wished Shania had her old singing voice, she always did a nice “Coat Of Many Colors.” I really wasn’t expecting Ashley McBryde to do so well. I really enjoyed her singing country music.
October 22, 2026 @ 1:53 pm
I feel like Ella doesn’t do well with other artists’ songs. Her covers of “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It for the World” and “Wish I didn’t Know Now” make me cringe. She did a pretty good job with “Kerosene,” at the ACMs, but Miranda was up there singing it with her. Maybe I’m totally wrong, but I have yet to hear a cover from her that I have enjoyed.
October 22, 2026 @ 12:29 pm
I admit I’ve never been a big Reba fan but she hit those notes wonderfully and with true sincerity. “He’s Alive” made me reconsider her. Dolly herself will be remembered as the unique person and artist she was.
October 22, 2026 @ 12:30 pm
Reba = the blueprint on how to do a tribute
October 22, 2026 @ 12:51 pm
Reba and carry underwood did miss Dolly an honor. The rest not so much if you ask me
October 22, 2026 @ 1:10 pm
Shoulda let Sierra Ferrell go out there and nail Jolene…
October 22, 2026 @ 1:38 pm
I would have rather seen some of the older country singers, even tho the younger were good I felt that they really didn’t know Dolly, i have to say I thought it would b better
October 22, 2026 @ 2:08 pm
I’m actually a bit surprised that more females from the 90s weren’t asked or able. Plenty live around Nashville. Trisha, Martina, Sara, LeeAnn Womack, Terri Clark. Just someone a bit better known and who might have had a bit better chops to take on a Dolly song.
October 22, 2026 @ 2:21 pm
These tributes for me are bitter sweet
Touching to see someone honoured but also sad to hear how no one sounds like the artist being honoured which makes me miss them all the more. Dolly could just speak a line from a song and my heart would beat faster.
October 22, 2026 @ 2:37 pm
Brandi Carlisle would have been good as well as Judd. There was only 1 Dolly Parton…Carrie did so so. I know they all can’t be there due to scheduling. To bad her sister Stella could not have sang…she would have done beautifully.
October 22, 2026 @ 3:03 pm
Reba and Carrie saved the night. Pictutes were not clear. Most singers had no strength to honor Dolly’s voice. This program should have been delayed until a grand program was presented. The second part of the program, however, was much better than the first. Dolly deserved the very best. She just did not get it.
October 22, 2026 @ 9:52 pm
It was much better than the lame opry tribute
October 22, 2026 @ 3:14 pm
The tribute to Dolly was almost perfect, meaning, Miley should have been on stage to sing “Jolene”. For me, that would have been the ultimate, perfect tribute!
October 22, 2026 @ 3:16 pm
I thought it was a let down to most of Dolly’s songs. I did not like singers choices.
October 22, 2026 @ 3:24 pm
Can’t make everybody happy. Quit complaining and I hope you enjoyed something about it.
I thought it was GREAT.
October 22, 2026 @ 3:58 pm
I wanted to see Robert Plant sing 9 to 5.
October 22, 2026 @ 4:07 pm
It’s surprising the number of performers who really can’t sing, or are mediocre at best.
October 22, 2026 @ 4:13 pm
I mean, singers tend to choose songs that work with their range. Singing a Dolly song is hard. Struggling on a Dolly song doesn’t necessarily mean a singer can sing.
October 23, 2026 @ 3:26 am
Autotune can make any poor singer sound “great”. Pre-autotune only the naturally talented made it.
October 23, 2026 @ 6:31 pm
Exactly.
October 22, 2026 @ 4:08 pm
The show was an awesome tribute to Dolly. The only problem is whenever we watch ABC, the volumn is tricky. If someone is talking or a commercial comes on, everything is good. Once the singing starts, the volumn goes down so low that you can’t hear anything. Frustrating as heck. So, because of that, it was very hard to watch without getting upset with the station. Any thoughts why that happens?
October 22, 2026 @ 4:37 pm
Agreed. Not sure how they don’t make sure the sound is better for these live events. Happens during the awards shows as well.
October 22, 2026 @ 4:29 pm
Nothing would have been to good for Dolly. The love we have for Dolly in our hearts can never be matched. Dolly is a legend and she is with god now and we all miss her terribly.
October 22, 2026 @ 4:52 pm
I live in Yuma Az. and what we got was a 1 hour snippet followed by a repeated 1hr snippet. I was left with a feeling of disbelief that such a legend and truly one of God’s greatest souls would be treated as a money grab.I am still in disbelief. Anyone have an explanation?
October 22, 2026 @ 5:04 pm
I was really looking forward to the Dolly Parton tribute. It was just a shock that she passed so quickly because she had just been on TV saying she’s seeing the doctor and the treatments are working. We didn’t know we wouldn’t miss her so bad until she was gone. I grew up listening to her remember when she was first on TV talking about how she wanted to be a superstar. She always kept her True Country roots and she made Dollywood and her book giving program to help those who came from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. She was so talented. Her singing voice and her guitar playing but her greatest gift was her love for people and she treated everyone the same just like our heavenly father does. She fulfilled her purpose in life and stayed married to the same husband her whole life. Nobody can duplicate Miss Dolly. So while they tried on this tribute show they didn’t measure up to the one and only. So look her up on YouTube or other true performances to get the real deal. We will always love you Miss Dolly Parton. This is not goodbye. It’s I’ll see you later when we meet in the sweet bye-bye on that beautiful Shore.
October 22, 2026 @ 5:21 pm
When you sing and pay tribute to,let’s face it an icon.in this case a very unique and talented one.your vocal flaws are going to be magnified. Like singing a Freddie mercury song.for 95% of singers
it ain’t going to work.kudos for even attempting though.
October 22, 2026 @ 11:40 pm
Should have had Allison Krauss do at least one song. At least she sounds like Dolly.
October 23, 2026 @ 1:20 am
Dolly was an amazing Jesus loving soul… who will be forever loved and missed. Her sweet smile and charming ways were signs of an Angel here on Earth.
The day she passed, I had to sit my 11 year old “autistic daughter” down and gently tell her that her “star” was now in Heaven. She cried soo hard that I cried with her, only to tell her that it will all be ok… because Dolly said, “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU.”
And Dolly loved us… all !
Bless everyone who MAY have attempted to sing her incredible songs or who might in the future.
For those young and “older” alike, we appreciate all of you for loving precious Miss Dolly too !
Dolly will live “forever in our hearts” through her music… however it is relayed.
R.I.P. our sweet “Song Bird” Miss Dolly R. Parton.
October 23, 2026 @ 1:34 am
we will always love you 🕊️❤️
October 23, 2026 @ 3:25 am
It was clearly aimed towards the gen z audience, hence the use of the current flavor of the month, rather than legends. But unfortunately the likes of Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini and Ella Langley really cannot sing, so it was a mediocre tribute rather than great. I wonder why Emmylou Harris wasn’t invited? Agree with above, Gillian Welch would’ve been great too along with Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, Margo Price etc.
October 23, 2026 @ 4:29 am
I so wish I had seen the tribute was not aware it was on . I agree with much of what people are saying and really can’t comment on the performance other that what was displayed in this article and Thank you for printing . Otherwise I would not of seen Reba’s and the choir’s tribute! Yes HE IS ALIVE more than Dolly ! She was I believe was an instrument of God . I wish they had just allowed a screen performance of Dolly to have close out the tribute even if the artist sang along with her . I not heard many artist perform but I dare say no one can sing that song like Dolly .
October 23, 2026 @ 5:37 am
I .love Willie Nelson’s as much. He’s the best
October 23, 2026 @ 5:58 am
Overall, I thought it a good tribute to a true legend.
October 23, 2026 @ 7:47 am
The CMA used some mediocre talent to pay tribute to a one of a kind special talent. Surprising that Zac Brown was one of the better moments. Katy Perry? Really?
October 23, 2026 @ 8:09 am
Dolly hasn’t been gone that long. This tribute was thrown together pretty fast…hence, the lackluster performances by some who shouldn’t have been there. With some songs, it seems they got who was available rather than who was best.
October 23, 2026 @ 8:16 am
Not a real tribute if Sheryl Crow is not there (Sarcasm).
October 23, 2026 @ 10:15 am
It would have been nice to see Cody Belew sing “Here You Come Again “. He hits all those notes on his cover of that song. And he got his big break by singing “Jolene” on The Voice, wowing the judges and crowd.
October 24, 2026 @ 7:07 am
Being picky. The background of the coat of many colors was not small pieces of many colors. I loved the movie and the coat.
October 24, 2026 @ 8:44 am
Loved the program, but the sound engineering was distracting, with the backup instruments and performers at times louder than the soloists. LIt seemed like the performers were being swallowed by the accompanyment.
October 24, 2026 @ 1:14 pm
Thanks for the show summary, Trigger. These tribute shows, and also award shows, are so hit and miss nowadays that I usually can’t stomach watching them in their entirety, so your articles are always a good guide to what performances are worth seeking out on YouTube.
October 24, 2026 @ 11:26 pm
I recently saw a live performance of “Jolene” by The Castellows. They had no trouble hitting the high notes and were able to navigate Dolly Parton’s vocal range with ease. But when the CMA machinery focuses solely on big-name acts, outstanding renditions like the one by The Castellows simply go overlooked.
October 25, 2026 @ 7:44 pm
Pretty shocked so many singers had to lower the keys. Emmylou could have done many of these in the originals. Yearwood likely as well. It just shows how unique our girl was. That lilt and effortless loft of her lil but massive munchkin squeak was massive. If anything her voice was under rated. A gift.
October 27, 2026 @ 6:39 am
Trigger, where was Barbara Mandrell’s segment? I saw Goldie Hawn right before Amy Grant’s speech, but I never saw Barbara. Overall, I agree with your assessment; the pitchiness and lower keys for most of the songs were disappointing. Also, it does show how few modern artists have passion in their singing; Dolly had no issue hamming it up or showing vocal emotion when needed. How do you sing “Jolene” or “Coat of Many Colors” with so little emotion? Kristin Chenoweth exhuded Dolly better than most of the actual country singers.
October 27, 2026 @ 7:11 am
You were right. It was Goldie Hawn. It has been corrected. For part of the special, I was putting together my John Anderson obituary, so I was a bit distracted. I thought that was Barbara I was seeing.
October 27, 2026 @ 5:24 pm
No worries! You had a lot on your plate between the two tasks, and Goldie Hawn’s name was blink-or-you’ll-miss-it. Barbara would have been a huge get for the show, though.