The passing of a celebrity is usually not enough to preempt a television network’s primetime schedule — but Dolly Parton was no ordinary celebrity.
It speaks volumes about just how universally beloved the country music icon was that both CBS and ABC will be broadcasting specials focusing on her life.
The CBS special will be airing on the same night that Parton passed away at age 80, set to air on Tuesday, August 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
‘Dolly Parton – An American Icon’
GettyTitled “Dolly Parton – An American Icon,” the special is being produced by CBS News.
As Deadline reports, Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and CBS News’ senior culture and senior national correspondent Anthony Mason will be joined by other members of the CBS Nwews team to pay tribute to the late music icon.
Also featured will be a 2009 “60 Minutes” interview with Morley Safer, a 2023 CBS News “Person-To-Person” interview with Norah O’Donnell, along with interviews conducted by Dokoupil and Mason.
In addition, CBS News will also have a correspondent on location at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
‘An American Original’
GettyAiring at the same time and date as the CBS special, ABC News will air “Dolly Parton: An American Original – Special Edition of 20/20,” a one-hour special airing Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
“Reflecting on Parton’s remarkable life, career and lasting impact on music, entertainment and American culture, the special includes her many unforgettable interviews with Robin Roberts and Barbara Walters over the years,” states ABC’s synopsis. “The tribute also includes footage of friends, family and those who knew her best including Jane Fonda, Keith Urban, Keke Palmer, Ashley McBryde, Rascal Flatts, CEO of the Country Music Association Sarah Trahern, SVP and executive producer of The Opry Entertainment Group Dan Rogers, Chris Connelly and Kelley L. Carter.”
“World News Tonight” anchor David Muir will host.
More Networks Joining In
GettyMeanwhile, other television networks under the Paramount corporate umbrella will be following suit by airing their own Dolly Parton-themed programming.
CMT, CMT Music and Pluto TV’s Equal Play channel will be airing Parton’s music videos, starting immediately and continuing through to the morning of Wednesday, August 26.
In addition, CMT will produce a “CMT Remembers” special that will air at a later date, and will be airing Parton’s 1989 film “Steel Magnolias” later this week.
‘A Rhinestone Life’
Parton’s family paid tribute in a statement honoring her extraordinary life.
“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family,” read the statement.
“Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” that statement continued. “With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”
The Family She Left Behind
GettyWhile Parton and her late husband Carl Dean — who passed away last year at age 82 — never had children, the country superstar remained close to her family.
Parton was one of 12 children born to Robert Lee Parton Sr. and Avie Lee Owens.
She is survived by six siblings — Willadeene Parton, Robert Lee Parton Jr., Stella Parton, Cassie Parton, Freida Parton and Rachel Parton George — along with their children and grandchildren.
“I’ve loved [my siblings’] kids just like they’re my grandkids, and now I’ve got great-grand-kids!” Parton told People in 2014.
She revealed that her nieces and nephews called her “Aunt Granny,” with that nickname later becoming the moniker of a restaurant at her Dollywood theme park.
She was also famously godmother to Miley Cyrus, and it was subsequently revealed that they were seventh cousins once removed.
“Dolly’s been like a mother to me,” Cyrus told W magazine in 2024.
