The world lost an icon this week. And while Dolly Parton was loved around the world and admired by millions, she held an especially important place in country music, the genre that first gave her a voice and a stage.

“It’s hard to put into words what Dolly Parton meant to the world and to the Grand Ole Opry,” a note on the Opry’s site reads. “The legacy she leaves, and the lessons she taught us, have made an indelible mark.”

Dolly died on August 25 in Nashville following a short battle with cancer. Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 after nearly 58 years of marriage. In the months before her death, Dolly had also spoken about putting her own health aside while caring for him.

Dolly’s connection to the Grand Ole Opry began when she was just 13 years old. She first performed at the legendary venue in 1959 after being introduced by Johnny Cash. A decade later, at age 23, she was invited to become an official Opry member.

Over the course of her career, Dolly returned to the Opry stage more than 100 times, creating a bond with the institution that lasted for decades.

“Dolly’s love is like a butterfly, a rare and gentle thing, one whose effect will be felt for generations,” the Opry’s tribute continued.

How can I watch the Opry tribute to Dolly Parton?

The Grand Ole Opry will honor Dolly Parton with a special tribute concert on Saturday, August 29. The event will take place live from the Opry House in Nashville and begin at 7 p.m. CST.

Fans who cannot attend in person will still have several ways to watch from home. The tribute will be streamed through the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube channels, as well as Circle Country and RFD-TV online.

The special concert will bring together several country artists who will honor Dolly through her music. According to the Opry, the lineup includes Carly Pearce, Channing Wilson, Belle Frantz, Kathy Mattea, Molly Tuttle, Dan Tyminski, T. Graham Brown and the Opry Square Dancers.

Fans can find additional information about how to watch and listen to the special through the Grand Ole Opry’s official experience page. The tribute will also be available to listeners through Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM and WSM Radio, 650 AM.

The event will be more than a night of music. Part of the proceeds from tickets will benefit Dolly’s Imagination Library, the children’s literacy program she founded. The organization has given more than 330 million free books to children, helping young readers build a love of books from an early age.

The cause was especially meaningful to Dolly because her father was unable to read and faced difficulties throughout his life because of his lack of education. Through Imagination Library, she worked to make sure children would have access to books regardless of their circumstances.

What’s next for Dolly Parton’s legacy?

Dolly Parton leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a country music legend, Grammy winner, actress, businesswoman, philanthropist and beloved figure to generations of fans.

The Opry’s tribute is expected to focus not only on the sadness of losing Dolly but also on the joy, kindness and music she shared throughout her 80 years.

And Dolly’s music may continue to reach fans for years to come.

The singer had revealed that she had been saving unreleased music for the future, including songs she wanted released after her death. She once suggested that her personal music vault could contain thousands of possible songs.

One especially unusual release has already been planned. A song titled My Place in History is reportedly locked inside a wooden box at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with instructions for it to be released on January 19, 2046, what would have been Dolly’s 100th birthday.

Even after her death, Dolly Parton’s voice, songs and generosity are set to remain part of the country music world for generations.