Vince Gill Delivers A Heartbreaking Tribute To Dolly Parton At CMA Special With “A Few Old Memories”
Country music fans were treated to an emotional opening performance when Vince Gill joined some of his longtime friends to honor Dolly Parton during the CMA’s star-studded tribute special on October 21.
The program, CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, brought together some of the biggest names in country music to celebrate Dolly’s extraordinary legacy. The special aired live on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available on Hulu.
Gill opened the evening alongside Ricky Skaggs, Béla Fleck, and Molly Tuttle. Together, the talented musicians delivered a moving rendition of “A Few Old Memories,” taking turns showcasing their vocal and instrumental abilities. Their performance set an emotional yet celebratory tone for a night dedicated to one of country music’s most beloved icons.
The lineup also featured celebrated performers including Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Brad Paisley, each bringing their own musical tribute to Dolly’s enduring influence.
Vince Gill And Dolly Parton Shared A Special Musical Bond
For Gill, the tribute was particularly meaningful. He and Dolly shared a close friendship that lasted for decades, and their musical partnership produced one of their most memorable collaborations: a duet of Dolly’s classic song “I Will Always Love You” in 1995.
Their version reached No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and earned the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year. The collaboration also received a Grammy nomination, cementing its place among the memorable moments in both artists’ careers.
Following Dolly’s passing, Gill shared a clip of the pair performing the song together, reflecting on the experience with heartfelt words.
“We are all crushed here at our house,” he wrote. He went on to describe the final note they sang together at the CMA Awards as one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard.
The message offered a glimpse into the depth of their friendship and the lasting significance of their musical connection.
Gill Had Already Honored Dolly In An Emotional Performance
Gill’s appearance at the CMA tribute was not the first time he had paid his respects to his longtime friend. Just two days after Dolly’s passing, on August 27, he performed at the Midland Theater in Kansas City and made time to honor her with “I Will Always Love You.”
Footage from that performance showed Gill appearing visibly emotional as he worked his way through the beloved song. For fans, the moment was a powerful reminder that behind the celebrated musician was a friend mourning someone who had played an important role in his life.
At the October 21 tribute, Gill returned to the stage for another appearance, joining Lainey Wilson as she performed “Train, Train.” His presence offered support as fellow artists came together to celebrate Dolly’s musical legacy.
A Night Dedicated To Dolly’s Enduring Legacy
The CMA special brought together generations of performers to remember Dolly Parton’s extraordinary contributions to country music. From heartfelt ballads to uplifting performances, the evening celebrated the songs and memories that helped make her an enduring cultural icon.
Gill’s rendition of “A Few Old Memories” was a fitting way to begin the tribute. His decades-long friendship with Dolly gave the performance an added emotional dimension, while the appearance of his fellow musicians made it a collective celebration of her influence.
Dolly’s music continues to connect with audiences around the world, and tributes like this one show just how deeply her work touched the people who knew and performed alongside her.
For Vince Gill, the evening was more than a performance. It was another opportunity to honor a cherished friend whose voice, songs, and legacy will continue to live on.