Carrie Underwood Fights Back Tears During Heartfelt “I Will Always Love You” Tribute to Dolly Parton
Carrie Underwood delivered one of the most emotional moments of the CMA’s tribute to Dolly Parton, bringing the star-studded special to a moving close with a tearful performance of “I Will Always Love You.” As her voice filled the room, Underwood became visibly overwhelmed, struggling to hold back her emotions before fellow performers and special guests joined her onstage for a poignant finale.
The tribute, I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, aired on ABC and Disney+ at 9/8c on October 21, 2026. The Country Music Association organized the special following Parton’s death on August 25, bringing together some of the biggest names in country music to celebrate her life, music, and lasting influence.
Alongside Underwood, the lineup featured Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown, Carly Pearce, and other artists who came together to honor the legendary singer.
Carrie Underwood’s Emotional Performance Brings the Tribute to a Close
Underwood’s appearance was among the evening’s most anticipated performances, and she delivered a finale that left a powerful impression.
Dressed in a glittering gown and wearing pink butterfly wings, the singer took the stage to perform Parton’s signature song, “I Will Always Love You.” Her soaring vocals gave the beloved ballad a deeply emotional quality, but as the performance approached its conclusion, Underwood found it increasingly difficult to keep her composure.
At one point, she became so choked up that she struggled to get some of the words out. Rather than diminishing the performance, the moment underscored the personal significance of the tribute.
The finale became even more moving when the evening’s performers and special guests joined Underwood onstage. Together, they sang in unison, creating a heartfelt closing scene in honor of Parton’s extraordinary legacy.
It was a fitting tribute to an artist whose music touched generations of listeners—and a moment that would have been deeply meaningful for Parton to witness.
Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton Shared Years of Musical Memories
Underwood’s emotional performance reflected a relationship with Parton that stretched back many years. The two artists had several opportunities to sing together, collaborate, and celebrate one another’s achievements.
In 2006, Underwood paid tribute to Parton at the Kennedy Center Honors, performing “Islands in the Stream” alongside Kenny Rogers.
Three years later, in 2009, Parton joined Underwood to sing “I Will Always Love You” during Underwood’s holiday television special. The pair returned to the song in 2016, recording it as part of the star-studded “Forever Country” mashup, which brought together music from different eras of country music.
Their connection extended beyond the stage, too. In 2019, Underwood co-hosted the CMA Awards with Parton and Reba McEntire, sharing the spotlight with two of country music’s most recognizable female stars.
Those experiences gave Underwood plenty of memories to look back on—and made her decision to honor Parton through music all the more personal.
Underwood’s Tribute Following Parton’s Death
Following Parton’s death on August 25, Underwood shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the singer’s faith, character, and influence on the people around her.
“She’s not gone. I know exactly where she is,” Underwood wrote.
She went on to describe Parton as the embodiment of “faith, grace, talent, beauty and humor,” adding that the singer had “a humble heart for Jesus” and made everyone around her feel special.
Underwood accompanied her message with photographs capturing some of her happiest moments with Parton. She concluded with a reflection on grief and faith, writing:
“It’s alright to be sad that this world lost a legend, but heaven gained an angel. Well done, good and faithful Dolly. Welcome home.”
The message offered a glimpse into the admiration Underwood held for Parton, extending beyond her musical achievements to the kindness and faith she remembered in her friend.
Just a few days later, Underwood dedicated a performance of “See You Again” to Parton during one of her own shows, continuing to pay tribute through the music that had connected them.
A Tribute That Honored a Lasting Legacy
Given Underwood’s history with Parton and the admiration she had expressed following her death, her performance at the CMA tribute carried particular emotional weight.
By closing the special with “I Will Always Love You,” Underwood returned to one of Parton’s most enduring songs while honoring the woman behind it. The sight of her fighting back tears, followed by the other artists gathering around her for the final chorus, captured the affection and respect that defined the evening.
For fans who have followed both singers throughout their careers, the performance offered a poignant reminder of Parton’s lasting place in country music—and of the personal connections her songs helped create.
Underwood’s tribute was more than a closing number. It was a heartfelt farewell to a musical icon whose voice, faith, humor, and generosity left an enduring mark on the artists who knew her and the audiences who loved her.