The Country Music Association and ABC presented CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton on October 21, 2026, honoring the legendary singer following her death on August 25 at age 80.

Held at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the tribute featured performances from Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Kelsea Ballerini, and several other prominent artists.

The broadcast combined live music, archival footage, and personal stories highlighting Parton’s remarkable career and contributions to entertainment.

Beyond her success with songs such as Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You, Parton was recognized for her charitable work and commitment to children’s literacy.

Proceeds from the celebration benefited Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children.

The special aired on ABC and Disney+ and is also available to stream on Hulu.

During a backstage interview at the Grindr Pleasure Ball in Manhattan on October 22, the comedian, actress, and singer discussed her debut album Crave, her Christian faith, and her admiration for country artist Ella Langley.

Stalter revealed that Langley’s song Speaking Terms brought her to tears after she attended one of the singer’s concerts. The ballad explores faith and the desire to reconnect with God.

Known for her role in Hacks, Stalter also spoke about being a gay Christian and why she believes LGBTQ+ people should feel welcome expressing their spirituality.

Her debut album Crave, released in September, combines electropop with humor and personal storytelling. It also features a contribution from country star Kacey Musgraves.

Stalter confirmed her love for country music and suggested the genre might influence her next album.

For now, no official follow-up project has been announced, but country music remains a possibility.

During the 2026 gala, Brad Paisley introduced Swift, while Lainey Wilson performed her hit Love Story in recognition of her songwriting career.

In her acceptance speech, Swift reflected on her early years in Nashville, where she moved as a teenager to pursue music. She also discussed how the city shaped her approach to writing songs and developing her career.

Country music legend George Strait received the Career Maker Award, recognizing his longtime support of songwriters through his recordings. Nearly 50 Hall of Fame songwriters joined Strait onstage during the presentation.

The evening also recognized new inductees Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, Bruce Channel, and the late J.I. Allison.

The ceremony highlighted Nashville’s songwriting legacy and the artists whose work continues to connect generations of music listeners.

The performance will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during the Cowboys’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

This year’s halftime show marks the 30th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff, an annual event that combines football, music, and charitable giving during the holiday season.

Lambert, a three-time Grammy Award winner, has strong ties to Texas, making the appearance a home-state moment for the country star. Her performance will also help highlight The Salvation Army’s efforts to assist families and individuals facing financial hardship.

The Thanksgiving halftime tradition has featured major artists over the years, including Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson.

Since the partnership began, the Cowboys and The Salvation Army have helped raise billions of dollars to support communities across the United States.

The newly announced concerts will mark Judd’s first time headlining the legendary venue, bringing her decades-long musical journey to one of country music’s most celebrated stages.

The performances will feature songs from her latest album, The Hard Truth, released October 2, 2026. The project has already attracted attention, generating 1.3 million streams and debuting in the Top 10 on the Top Album Sales chart.

The Ryman holds personal significance for Judd. The venue previously hosted a celebration honoring her late mother, Naomi Judd, making these upcoming performances especially meaningful.

Throughout her career, Wynonna has built a lasting connection with country music audiences, first as part of The Judds and later as a successful solo artist.

These Nashville concerts offer another opportunity for fans to experience her powerful vocals and extensive catalog in an intimate, historic setting.

Tickets for both performances are now on sale.

Billboard confirms that Langley reached six chart-topping singles in just 99 weeks, making her the fastest female artist or female-fronted act to accomplish the feat in the chart’s 36-year history.

“Loving Life Again” also becomes the fourth No. 1 single from her album Dandelion. That achievement puts Langley alongside Shania Twain, whose album The Woman in Me previously produced four Country Airplay chart-toppers.

The song earned 32.4 million radio audience impressions during its latest tracking period, reflecting a 7% increase.

Langley co-wrote “Loving Life Again” with ERNEST and Devin Dawson after taking a short break from touring in 2025.

The album Dandelion has also maintained a strong chart presence, spending 21 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

Held October 22 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the ceremony recognized more than 150 songwriters whose work earned new RIAA certifications between July 2025 and June 2026.

Vince Gill received the inaugural Legacy Songwriter Icon Award, celebrating his decades of contributions to country music. His songs Go Rest High on That Mountain and One More Last Chance were also recognized for new certification milestones.

Producer and songwriter Charlie Handsome earned Top Songwriter of the Year after securing 35 new certifications. His credits include major hits such as Last Night, You Proof, and Wasted on You.

Another highlight came when Luke Combs’ Beautiful Crazy received the Platinum Anthem Award after reaching 15-times Platinum status. Co-writer Rob Williford accepted the honor.

The evening also featured performances by Gill, Brett Young, and Laci Kaye Booth, celebrating the creative talent behind some of country music’s biggest songs.

The singer has announced Middle of Nowhere Vol. 2: Tex Mex Tapes, a 16-track album scheduled for release on January 15, 2027, through Lost Highway Records. The project follows her May 2026 release, Middle of Nowhere.

The upcoming album includes 11 new songs and five covers, blending traditional country music with Tejano, norteño, and regional Mexican influences.

Four tracks are performed entirely in Spanish, including a new version of “Uncertain, TX” featuring the Mexican-American group Intocable. Another collaboration features Mariachi Oro de América on a live recording of “Tú Solo Tú.”

Fans will get an early preview with two songs, “Weekend in Texas” and “Mi Tesoro,” scheduled for release on October 23, 2026.

The announcement comes as Musgraves approaches the final dates of her North American tour and prepares for the November CMA Awards.

The new collection continues her exploration of country music while incorporating sounds connected to her Texas upbringing.

His family confirmed his passing in a social media statement, describing Anderson as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The announcement prompted tributes from several prominent names in country music.

Blake Shelton expressed shock and sadness, remembering Anderson as both a musical hero and a personal friend. Tim McGraw also shared an emotional tribute, recalling their conversation just days earlier at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Medallion Ceremony in Nashville.

John Rich remembered Anderson as a major musical influence and a close friend of more than two decades. Riley Green also honored the singer, reflecting on their opportunity to collaborate.

Anderson built a career spanning nearly five decades, earning recognition for hits including Swingin’, Straight Tequila Night, and Seminole Wind.

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024, Anderson remained a respected figure among generations of country performers. His distinctive voice and extensive catalog remain an important part of the genre’s history.

CBS confirmed the first performers on October 20 for New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which returns on December 31 with nearly five hours of live entertainment.

The celebration will take place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville, bringing thousands of fans together for an evening of music and festivities. Admission to the outdoor event will be free.

HARDY, known for blending country and rock influences, joins Grammy-winning vocal group Little Big Town and rising Americana act The Red Clay Strays on the initial lineup. Additional performers are expected to be announced as the event approaches.

The evening will also feature Nashville’s traditional Music Note Drop at midnight, marking the beginning of the new year.

Fans watching from home can catch the special on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The broadcast will also stream live on Paramount+ Premium.