Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull performed “When I Get Where I’m Going” at a Nashville celebration of Dolly Parton, bringing new voices to a song Paisley first recorded with Parton in 2005. The duet’s themes of faith and reunion gave the performance a reflective place in an evening celebrating Parton’s music and influence.
The performance took place October 21 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, as part of CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton. Paisley sang and played guitar, while Hull joined him on vocals and mandolin.
A song with a lasting connection
Paisley and Parton originally recorded “When I Get Where I’m Going” for his album Time Well Wasted. The song reached No. 1 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and became one of the best-known recordings of Paisley’s career. Its lyrics look toward reunion with loved ones after death, a message of hope that shaped the song’s place in the celebration.
Before performing, Paisley reflected on Parton’s reach across music and entertainment, while emphasizing her roots in country. He also spoke about the personal importance of revisiting a song they had recorded together, expressing gratitude for her part in the collaboration.
Hull described Parton as a longtime influence. Growing up in a small Tennessee community, she said she connected with Parton’s journey from modest beginnings to international success. Hull also praised Parton’s humanitarian work and the example she has set beyond music.
A wide-ranging celebration
The event brought together performers from country, bluegrass, Broadway and other corners of entertainment. The lineup included Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Molly Tuttle and Zac Brown, among others. Special guests Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley also appeared, while tributes came from Parton’s friends and entertainment-industry connections, including Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey.
The two-hour special was broadcast live on ABC and Disney+ in the United States and internationally, with a Hulu release planned for the following day. The CMA and Belmont University said a portion of the proceeds would go to Parton’s Imagination Library. Paisley and Hull’s rendition placed one of Parton’s celebrated collaborations within a broader evening recognizing her music, influence and charitable work.
