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Zac Brown Performs Emotional 'Butterfly' Duet With Dolly Parton's Recorded Voice
· Confirmed
In Short: The tribute was a joyful, emotional celebration of Parton's extraordinary journey from East Tennessee to becoming one of the most beloved entertainers and philanthropists in American history.
Zac Brown took center stage at the Country Music Association's (CMA) Dolly Parton tribute on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to perform a duet of 'Butterfly' with Dolly Parton's recorded vocals.
The tribute, held at Nashville’s Belmont University, featured appearances by Kelsea Ballerini, Amy Grant, Ashley McBryde, Carrie Underwood, and over a dozen more artists.
Brown's performance was part of a larger celebration of Parton's legacy, which included tributes by Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and many others.
The event was a testament to Parton's enduring impact on the music industry and her philanthropic efforts, particularly her Imagination Library program.
Brown's tribute was deeply personal, as he had recently performed the song with Parton's vocal recordings at the CMA Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence 10 Year Anniversary Celebration.
The Imagination Library, a program close to Parton's heart, has seen significant support and donations since her passing.
Brown's performance of 'Butterfly' was a poignant moment, allowing Parton to be part of the tribute herself.
Parton's influence extended beyond music, as she was known for her generosity and ability to bring people together from all walks of life.
Carrie Underwood broke down while singing 'I Will Always Love You,' a fitting tribute to Parton's legacy.
The tribute was streamed on Hulu on October 22, 2026, and included performances by Langley, Brown, Underwood, and more.
Parton's impact on the music industry and her humanitarian efforts were celebrated through performances, archival footage, and personal stories.
Zac Brown's performance highlighted the enduring bond between him and Parton, who released 13 duet albums together and won the Country Music Association Award for Vocal Duo of the Year three times.
What this adds
The tribute concert was a testament to Dolly Parton's lasting influence and the deep respect she commanded from her peers and fans.
The event showcased the emotional and musical legacy Parton left behind, with artists paying tribute in various ways.
What's confirmed
- Zac Brown was announced as one of the performers alongside Vince Gill, Lukas Nelson, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Carrie Underwood, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Little Big Town, Lady A, and many more.
What's still developing
- With not a single seat left unattended, Zac Brown highlighted The Smoky Mountain Songbird, which included a familiar voice.
- But for a brief moment, Brown got the chance to stand under the spotlight, remembering the love that Dolly spread throughout generations.
- At The Voice ‘s Season 28 live finale, Noah Cyrus stepped in for Dolly Parton and performed the song with Zac Brown.
- The country music star closed out the ABC broadcast with a soaring performance of Parton’s 1974 ballad, joined near the end by some of the evening’s other performers.
- Among the artists that honored Parton during the show were Zac Brown, who sang a “duet” with Parton using her prerecorded vocals from “Butterfly,” and Ella Langley, who offered her take on the 1974 hit “Jolene.” Released on Parton’s Jolene album, “I Will Always Love You” was originally written as a farewell to Porter Wagoner, who hired Parton to regularly appear on his TV variety series.
- The singer appeared in a flowing white dress onstage to sing the night’s emotional, final tribute.
- Roberts, who starred alongside Parton in 1989’s “Steel Magnolias,” reflected on the experience of filming with the performer.
- The special was a “joyful, emotional celebration of the artist, songwriter, entertainer, humanitarian and entrepreneur whose music and generosity carried her from the mountains of East Tennessee into the hearts of generations around the world, told through performances, archival footage and personal stories that trace her extraordinary journey to becoming one of the most beloved entertainers and philanthropists in American history,” per the evening’s official logline.
- "Wow, now that's how you honor a legend," he said.
- At the 2026 Emmys, Reba McEntire —who was Parton's close friend of over 50 years—performed Parton's 1983 hit, "Appalachian Memories," after being introduced by her Steel Magnolias costar Sally Field.
- "It was my great good fortune to have worked with Dolly in a film called Steel Magnolias and, over the years, I never stopped loving her." Of course, Musgraves and Snoop Dogg weren't the only celebrities who celebrated Parton's life at the 2026 MTV VMAs.
- And she did it after she sadly passed away at 80 on August 25.