Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull Deliver Emotional “When I Get Where I’m Going” Tribute to Dolly Parton

Brad Paisley returned to one of his most meaningful musical collaborations during an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton, performing their 2005 hit “When I Get Where I’m Going” alongside acclaimed bluegrass musician Sierra Hull. The performance honored Parton’s enduring influence on country music and the personal connection she shared with Paisley throughout their careers.

The two artists took the stage on Wednesday, October 21, at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville as part of CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.

Nearly two months after the passing of the country music icon, Paisley revisited the song he originally recorded with Parton for his album Time Well Wasted. Their collaboration reached No. 1 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and received multiple awards, becoming one of the memorable recordings in Paisley’s career.

A Song About Faith, Hope and Reunion

“When I Get Where I’m Going” reflects on the hope of reuniting with loved ones after death, offering comfort through its themes of faith and the promise of a life beyond this one. Those sentiments gave the performance particular significance as Paisley honored his late friend and collaborator.

Paisley’s warm vocals and guitar playing blended with Hull’s rich voice and accomplished mandolin work, creating a moving interpretation of the song. Together, they brought its message of love, remembrance and hope to the forefront, encouraging listeners to appreciate the time they have with the people who matter most.

Before stepping onto the stage, Paisley spoke about Parton’s extraordinary reach across the entertainment industry. While she remained a country artist at heart, he noted that her influence extended well beyond the genre.

“We don’t get to claim her entirely anymore. She’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is in the acting pantheon of icons as well. But she’s from Tennessee and she is a country singer at the core. And that all would be enough to do a special like this and to honor her.”

He also shared a personal message to Parton ahead of the performance.

“Dolly, I’m going to try to do our song justice. Thank you for singing with me in the first place,” Paisley said.

His words underscored the personal meaning behind the tribute. Rather than simply revisiting a successful recording, he was celebrating a musical partnership and a friendship that had become an important part of his career.

Sierra Hull Shares How Dolly Parton Inspired Her

For Hull, taking part in the tribute was equally meaningful. The award-winning bluegrass musician explained that Parton’s life story had resonated with her for years, particularly because they shared Tennessee roots and came from relatively modest backgrounds.

Hull grew up in a small community where access to opportunities could be limited compared with life in a major city. That experience helped her connect with Parton’s journey from humble beginnings to international success.

“I’m from a little town of about 700 people, no red light. I know what it’s like to be from somewhere where you can’t access all the same kind of things as when you grew up in a city and my family certainly knows that. So Dolly’s story has always resonated with me as a Tennessee girl, just that it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you dream big enough, anything’s possible.”

Hull also emphasized that her admiration for Parton went far beyond her musical achievements. She praised the singer’s generosity, humanitarian work and the positive influence she had on people around the world.

“Dolly truly has been one of my biggest heroes and influences of all time, not just as a musician, but as who she is, what she gave all of us as a humanitarian and just such a light to this world. I’m just so thrilled to be here to celebrate her tonight and alongside this insane cast of musicians, I feel so blessed to be here.”

Her remarks reflected the broader spirit of the evening: celebrating not only Parton’s remarkable career, but also the kindness and generosity that helped make her such an influential figure.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Dolly Parton

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton brought together artists from across generations and genres, including country superstars, Country Music Hall of Fame members, celebrated bluegrass performers and Broadway talent.

The lineup featured Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, 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, Vince Gill and Zac Brown. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley also appeared as special guests.

Beyond the musical performances, the special included tributes from some of Parton’s friends and longtime connections in the entertainment world, including Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey.

The two-hour celebration was broadcast live from Belmont University on ABC and Disney+ in the United States and internationally. Filmed before a live audience at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, the special was also scheduled to become available on Hulu the following day.

The CMA and Belmont University planned to donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, extending the tribute to the literacy initiative that reflects her commitment to helping children discover the joy of reading.

Through Paisley and Hull’s heartfelt performance, the evening honored the music that Parton shared with the world and the lasting impact she made on fellow artists. “When I Get Where I’m Going” offered a fitting reminder of the hope, faith and enduring connections at the heart of her legacy.