America’s television networks are setting aside their usual programming to remember one of the most beloved entertainers the country has ever known.
Following the death of Dolly Parton, ABC, CBS and NBC have all announced major television tributes celebrating her extraordinary life, music and legacy.
For millions of Americans who grew up listening to Dolly, these aren’t simply television specials. They’re a chance to look back at nearly seven decades of memories.
CBS is honoring Dolly with “Dolly Parton – An American Icon,” an hour-long special featuring Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Anthony Mason. The program reaches deep into the CBS archives, bringing viewers memorable Dolly interviews—including her appearance on 60 Minutes—along with new reporting and reflections from people who knew her.
ABC prepared its own emotional tribute, “Dolly Parton: An American Original,” hosted by David Muir. The special looks back at Dolly’s journey from her humble East Tennessee beginnings to becoming one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers. It also includes archival conversations and reflections from those whose lives and careers crossed paths with hers.
Then NBC announced “Dolly: An NBC News Special,” anchored by Lester Holt. The hour explores not only Dolly’s remarkable career, but the enormous impact she made outside music. Hoda Kotb, Andrea Canning, Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz are among those contributing, alongside friends and collaborators.
Seeing three of America’s biggest broadcast networks devote primetime attention to the same woman says something about just how unusual Dolly’s place in American culture was.
She wasn’t only the voice behind “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.”
She was an actress, songwriter, businesswoman and philanthropist whose Imagination Library helped put books into the hands of children around the world.
And perhaps that’s why these television tributes feel different.
For decades, Americans invited Dolly into their living rooms.
Now television is bringing her back into those living rooms one more time—not simply to mourn what has been lost, but to celebrate everything she left behind.
For longtime fans, it may be an emotional night of television.