Vince Gill joined several well-known musicians to honor Dolly Parton during a special concert hosted by the Country Music Association on October 21. The singer helped open the emotional event with a performance alongside Ricky Skaggs, Béla Fleck, and Molly Tuttle.
The tribute, titled I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, aired on ABC and Disney+ following Parton’s death on August 25. The special brought together artists from across the music industry to celebrate her life, career, and lasting influence.
Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Brad Paisley, and Gill were among the stars who took part in the event.
Gill and his musical friends opened the show with A Few Old Memories. Each performer had a chance to display their vocal and instrumental skills, creating a moving performance that honored Parton’s legacy.
The opening number set an emotional tone for the evening while celebrating the music that made Parton such a beloved figure. Gill also returned to the stage later in the program, joining Lainey Wilson in support of her performance of Train, Train.
Watch his full performance below
Vince Gill and Dolly Parton Shared a Lasting Friendship
Gill and Parton had a close relationship that lasted for decades. Beyond their friendship, the two artists also worked together on music, including a memorable duet of Parton’s classic song I Will Always Love You in 1995.
Their version reached No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and won the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year. The recording also earned a Grammy nomination.
Following Parton’s death, Gill shared a clip of their duet and expressed how deeply he was affected by the loss.
“We are all crushed here at our house. One of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard was when Dolly and I sang that last note of ‘I Will Always Love You’ the year we performed it on the CMA Awards,” he wrote.
His message reflected the special connection they shared and the memories they created through music.
Gill also honored Parton during a concert at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City on August 27, just two days after her death. He performed I Will Always Love You in her memory, delivering an emotional rendition that showed how difficult the loss was for him.
Footage from that performance captured Gill appearing close to tears as he sang the beloved song.
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Parton’s influence reached far beyond her own recordings, touching the lives of fellow musicians and generations of fans. Gill’s performances and heartfelt words offered another reminder of the lasting mark she left on the music world.
