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One Last Performance With Dolly Parton’s Voice… Zac Brown Sings “Butterfly” Alongside The Late Legend’s Recorded Vocals — And The Emotional Meaning Behind Their Song Makes This Tribute Unforgettable! Some musical moments become even more powerful with time. Zac Brown took the stage at the CMA’s Dolly Parton tribute to perform “Butterfly,” the song he recorded with the country icon a little over a year earlier. As Dolly’s recorded voice joined his once more, the song’s message of overcoming pain and finding freedom carried a deeper meaning. It was a heartfelt reminder of their special collaboration and a moving celebration of Dolly’s enduring legacy.

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Zac Brown Performs “Butterfly” Alongside Dolly Parton’s Recorded Vocals in Emotional Tribute

Zac Brown returned to a song that holds special meaning for him during a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton, performing “Butterfly” alongside the late country legend’s recorded vocals in a moving celebration of her life and legacy.

The performance took place on Wednesday, October 21, at Belmont University in Nashville, where Brown joined a star-studded lineup for CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. For the singer, the moment offered an opportunity to honor an artist whose kindness, talent and friendship had left a lasting impression on him.

Zac Brown; Photo by Kayla Schoen/CMA

A Song That Took on New Meaning

A little over a year ago, Brown had the opportunity to record “Butterfly” with Parton. The track appears on Zac Brown Band’s Love & Fear album and explores the strength it takes to overcome hardship while remaining true to yourself.

Before performing, Brown reflected on the song’s original message and the experience of writing it. He explained that he wanted listeners to understand that even when life becomes difficult, staying true to who you are can help you emerge stronger and more beautiful.

Although Parton was not initially part of the song’s concept, Brown said that looking back, he now believes there “are no coincidences.”

“It means the world to me to be here tonight to honor and perform this song with her one more time,” he said.

The performance brought the song’s themes of vulnerability, resilience and personal transformation into focus. Its story follows the journey from pain and a difficult past toward freedom and the discovery of inner strength.

The butterfly, a symbol often associated with Parton, served as a fitting image for that transformation. While her live presence was absent, Zac Brown Band incorporated her previously recorded vocals, allowing the two artists’ voices to come together once more.

 

Zac Brown Reflects on His Time With Dolly Parton

The tribute also gave Brown an opportunity to reflect on the memories he made while working with Parton.

In a previous interview with the Country Music Association, he described recording music with the country icon as a rare opportunity he would “never, ever forget.”

Speaking with the CMA before the tribute, Brown recalled Parton’s warmth and the lighter moments they shared while making the music video.

“She’s just so kind and loving…I remember dancing with her in the video and twirling her around and just pinch me moments,” he said.

Brown also expressed how pleased he was to take part in the special evening alongside so many talented performers, all united by a shared purpose: celebrating Parton’s extraordinary legacy.

“She was a national treasure and I’m just proud to have known her and proud to be able to be here in support of her legacy.”

A Star-Studded Celebration of Dolly Parton

Zac Brown; Photo by John Russell/CMA

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton brought together performers from several generations and musical backgrounds. The lineup featured Country Music Hall of Fame members, leading country artists, bluegrass musicians and stars from Broadway and beyond.

The performers included Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, 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, Sierra Hull and Vince Gill. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley appeared as special guests.

Beyond the musical performances, the event featured personal tributes from several of Parton’s friends and longtime connections in the entertainment industry, including Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey.

Together, the performances and messages celebrated Parton’s influence across music and entertainment, bringing together artists whose careers and lives had been touched by her work.

How to Watch the Dolly Parton Tribute

Dolly Parton; “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton”

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

The CMA and Belmont University also planned to donate a portion of the event’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy initiative that reflects her longstanding commitment to helping children develop a love of reading.

For Brown, performing “Butterfly” with Parton’s recorded voice was more than revisiting a memorable collaboration. It was a chance to honor a woman he deeply admired and to help ensure that her music, generosity and influence continue to resonate with audiences.

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