CBS News and ABC News will air specials on Tuesday paying tribute to Dolly Parton, who died today at the age of 80.
A CBS News Special: Dolly Parton — An American Icon will air at 10 p.m. ET, with Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil along with a team of CBS News journalists commemorating Parton’s life. They will be joined by Anthony Mason, CBS News’ senior culture and senior national correspondent, and a correspondent in Dollywood in Tennessee.
The special will feature excerpts from a 2009 60 Minutes interview with Morley Safer, a 2023 CBS News Person-To-Person interview with Norah O’Donnell, as well as interviews with Dokoupil and Mason.
Dokoupil anchored coverage Tuesday afternoon when the network broke into regular programming for a special report on Parton’s death. Other broadcast networks also did special reports.
Watch on Deadline
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ABC News will air Dolly Parton: An American Original – Special Edition of 20/20, a one-hour special at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Led by World News Tonight anchor David Muir, the special celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of the global entertainment icon.
Reflecting on Parton’s life, career and lasting impact on music, entertainment and American culture, the special includes her interviews with Robin Roberts and Barbara Walters over the years. The tribute also includes footage of friends, family and those who knew her best including Jane Fonda, Keith Urban, Keke Palmer, Ashley McBryde, Rascal Flatts, CEO of the Country Music Association Sarah Trahern, SVP and executive producer of The Opry Entertainment Group Dan Rogers, Chris Connelly and Kelley L. Carter.
Dolly Parton: An American Original is produced by 20/20. Janice Johnston is the executive producer of 20/20.
Tributes to Parton have come from across the political spectrum, underscoring her status as a unifying figure at a time of polarization. President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered in her honor, while figures like Bill Clinton and Kamala Harris offered their remembrances.
Denise Petski contributed to this report.
