Vince Gill and Country Music Legends Open Dolly Parton Tribute With an Emotional Bluegrass Performance

The music of Dolly Parton has touched generations of fans, and a special celebration of her extraordinary legacy brought together some of country music’s most respected performers for an unforgettable night. Among the evening’s standout moments was a moving opening performance led by Vince Gill, who joined Ricky Skaggs, Béla Fleck and Molly Tuttle to honor Parton’s deep connection to traditional bluegrass music.

The musicians opened CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton with “A Few Old Memories,” setting a heartfelt tone for a tribute devoted to one of country music’s most influential artists.

A Song That Celebrates Dolly Parton’s Musical Roots

Rather than beginning with one of Parton’s biggest radio hits, the performers selected a song that highlighted an important part of her musical identity.

“A Few Old Memories,” written by Hazel Dickens, appeared on Parton’s 1999 album The Grass Is Blue. The record showcased her appreciation for traditional bluegrass and acoustic music, reminding listeners that her artistry reaches far beyond the country-pop hits that made her famous around the world.

With Gill’s expressive vocals, Skaggs’ connection to traditional mountain music, Fleck’s distinctive banjo playing and Tuttle’s acclaimed musicianship, the opening number brought together artists whose talents suited the song’s roots-inspired sound.

The result was a fitting introduction to an evening celebrating not only Parton’s success, but also the musical traditions that helped shape her career.

Ricky Skaggs Shares a Personal Connection to Dolly’s Music

For Ricky Skaggs, the performance carried a particularly meaningful connection. Like Parton, he grew up surrounded by the sounds of Appalachian and old-time music.

Speaking about the tribute, Skaggs reflected on how their shared musical backgrounds made the opportunity especially important to him. His comments highlighted the lasting influence of traditional music and the importance of honoring the roots that inspire artists throughout their careers.

That connection helps explain why “A Few Old Memories” was such a thoughtful choice. The song allowed the performers to celebrate a side of Parton that has remained central to her identity, even as she became an international superstar.

Her ability to bring traditional sounds to wider audiences helped introduce bluegrass to listeners who might not otherwise have explored the genre.

Molly Tuttle and Béla Fleck Help Bring the Tribute to Life

The opening performance also brought together musicians from different generations of bluegrass and acoustic music.

Molly Tuttle, known for her accomplished guitar playing and distinctive voice, described taking part in the tribute as a tremendous honor. Sharing the stage with artists she admires made the experience especially memorable.

Béla Fleck, one of the most celebrated banjo players in contemporary music, also reflected on Parton’s influence. He noted how she helped introduce the beauty of bluegrass to people outside its traditional audience.

Their participation underscored an important part of Parton’s legacy: her music has never belonged to just one generation or one musical category. She has consistently found ways to connect traditional country sounds with audiences around the world.

Lainey Wilson Joins the Celebration

After the opening number, Lainey Wilson joined the musicians for “Train, Train,” adding another energetic moment to the bluegrass-inspired portion of the show.

The performance continued the evening’s focus on Parton’s appreciation for traditional music while bringing a different energy to the stage.

The tribute, filmed at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, featured a wide-ranging lineup of country stars and special guests. Performers celebrated different chapters of Parton’s career, from her best-known hits to songs that revealed her songwriting depth and musical versatility.

A Celebration of a Lasting Musical Legacy

The CMA special brought together artists from across the entertainment world to recognize Parton’s contributions as a singer, songwriter, entertainer and philanthropist.

Throughout her career, Parton has demonstrated that an artist can remain connected to their beginnings while continuing to evolve. Her catalog includes heartfelt ballads, upbeat country classics, bluegrass recordings and songs that have become part of popular culture.

The decision to open the tribute with “A Few Old Memories” reflected that broader story. It placed the focus on the traditions that helped shape her music and on the musicians who continue to carry those sounds forward.

The event also highlighted the reach of Parton’s influence, with performances from artists representing multiple generations and styles. A portion of the event’s proceeds was designated for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the book-gifting program she founded to encourage children’s literacy.

Why This Performance Was Such a Fitting Tribute

Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Béla Fleck and Molly Tuttle brought more than impressive musical credentials to the stage. Together, they represented the enduring appeal of the acoustic traditions that have remained close to Parton’s heart.

Their performance offered a reminder that the story of a legendary artist is about more than chart success or awards. It is also about the musical roots that inspire a career, the artists influenced along the way and the audiences who continue to discover the songs years later.

By choosing “A Few Old Memories” to begin the celebration, the musicians honored a meaningful part of Parton’s journey and helped set the tone for a night dedicated to her remarkable impact on country music.

What did you think of Vince Gill and his fellow musicians opening the Dolly Parton tribute with “A Few Old Memories”? Which Dolly Parton song would you most want to hear performed in her honor? Share your thoughts in the comments.