‘CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton’ Scores Nearly 5 Million Total Viewers on ABC and Disney+

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• “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” delivered 4.74 million Total Viewers on ABC and Disney+ during a star-studded live tribute honoring Parton’s life, immense talents and boundless generosity.
• The special presentation, featuring some of the biggest names in country music, ranked No. 1 in Total Viewers from 9-11 p.m. (4.74 million), leading its closest competitors in the timeslot by double digits, including NBC’s “Chicago Med” and “Chicago Fire” (+13%; vs. 4.19 million) and CBS’ “Survivor” and “Amazing Race” (+49%; vs. 3.19 million).
• “CMA Presents: I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” garnered ABC its best Wednesday 9-11 p.m. performance in 2026, based on entertainment programming.
• Following the emotional tribute, the Country Music Association (CMA), in collaboration with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC), revealed that its previously announced commitment to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has resulted in a combined donation of $1 million.

“CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton” is currently streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Source: Nielsen National Live+Same Day Big Data Plus Panel Program Ratings for 10/21/26.

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