CMA and Partners Donate $1 Million to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton has always brought people together, and we built last night’s event with that same intention, Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, said following a night of music and philanthropy.

The Country Music Association, in collaboration with Belmont University, The Walt Disney Company, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, announced a combined $1 million donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The announcement followed a star-studded tribute concert held on October 21 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center. Viewers can now stream the special, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, on Hulu and Disney+.

Honoring a Lifelong Commitment to Literacy

While the televised concert celebrated a music career, the resulting $1 million financial commitment honors Parton’s deep personal dedication to childhood literacy. Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Parton launched the Imagination Library in her home county of East Tennessee in 1995. The program mails one free, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth until age five.

The flagship initiative of The Dollywood Foundation has expanded across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland, gifting more than 300 million free books to date. Local program partners build community awareness and provide funding to cover wholesale book costs and mailing fees, allowing families to receive books at no cost.

Partners Reflect on Music City and Community Impact

Brittany Schaffer, incoming CEO of the Country Music Association, noted that the community united for a magical evening carrying forward Parton’s legacy of love and literacy for generations of children worldwide.

Dr. Greg Jones, president of Belmont University, highlighted the transformative power of education. Jones stated that as a university, they witness daily how a passion for learning creates opportunities and influences the development of young people.

Deana Ivey, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, pointed to Parton’s role as an ambassador for Music City. Ivey noted that she served as one of the most significant ambassadors for Nashville, introducing the city to global fans and motivating many to visit and explore the creativity and music that make the city unique.

Jeff Conyers, president and vice chair of The Dollywood Foundation, added that investing in the dreams of future generations remains a meaningful way to celebrate Parton’s life.

Disney+ and Hulu Stream Belmont University Concert

The broadcast special features performances recorded during the October 21 concert at Belmont University. Viewers can stream the full program on Disney+ and Hulu. The complete performance list includes:

• Vince Gill feat. Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs & Molly Tuttle – “A Few Old Memories”
• Lainey Wilson feat. Vince Gill, Béla Fleck, Ricky Skaggs & Molly Tuttle – “Train, Train”
• Ashley McBryde – “Coat of Many Colors”
• Ella Langley – “Jolene”
• Kelsea Ballerini – “Here You Come Again”
• Darius Rucker – “Two Doors Down”
• Carly Pearce and Kristin Chenoweth – “9 to 5”
• Lady A – “Islands in the Stream”
• Lukas Nelson with Lainey Wilson – “You Can’t Make Old Friends”
• Little Big Town – “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”
• Reba McEntire with Belmont Singers – “He’s Alive”
• Zac Brown (Vocal Duet with Dolly Parton) – “Butterfly”
• Brad Paisley feat. Sierra Hull – “When I Get Where I’m Going”
• Carrie Underwood with Full Cast – “I Will Always Love You”