Kelsea Ballerini brought a country classic to the stage at a televised celebration of Dolly Parton, performing the country star’s 1977 hit “Here You Come Again” as part of a two-hour tribute to Parton’s career and influence.
The special, titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, aired live on October 21, 2026, from Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. Ballerini was among a broad lineup of musicians and entertainers paying tribute to Parton.
The song gave Ballerini an opportunity to honor an artist she has admired since childhood. She grew up listening to Parton and visiting Dollywood, and has spoken of the singer as a reassuring, almost fairy-godmother-like presence in her life. At the event, Ballerini invited the audience to sing along, turning the upbeat number into a communal moment. She closed with a brief message to Parton: “We love you, Miss Dolly.”
A lasting influence
Ballerini’s admiration reaches beyond Parton’s catalogue. She has praised the singer as a trailblazer who made room for ambition and individuality without abandoning a distinctly feminine, sparkly style. That example, Ballerini has explained, matters to her as a woman working in the entertainment industry.
The tribute’s imagery drew on themes of love, magic and butterflies, reflecting the qualities Ballerini associates with Parton. Her performance honored both the song and the larger example Parton has set for generations of artists.
A gathering across generations
The special also featured Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley and Zac Brown, among others. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley appeared as special guests. The evening included tributes from Parton’s friends and longtime connections, including Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey.
The broadcast aired on ABC and Disney+, and is available to stream on Disney+ or Hulu. It also supported Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides books to children. The CMA, Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced a combined $1 million donation to the program.
Ballerini’s performance was one part of a much larger celebration, but its personal connection was clear: she was celebrating the music and example of an artist who had inspired her long before her own career began.