Social media users are outraged after Carrie Underwood is announced as one of the performers set to honor Dolly Parton at the upcoming Country Music Awards. The “Before He Cheats” singer is expected to take part in a special tribute celebrating Parton’s legendary career, but the announcement has left some fans questioning the decision, as Parton was a proud Democrat while Underwood has notoriously performed at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Keep reading for more information.
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Carrie Underwood To Participate In Dolly Parton’s Tribute At The CMAs
The tribute, titled CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, is scheduled to air live on Wednesday, October 21, in Nashville, Tennessee. The two-hour special will celebrate Parton’s decades-long career as a singer, songwriter, philanthropist and entertainment icon through live performances, archival footage and personal stories.
Underwood will be joined by an impressive lineup of artists, including Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Vince Gill, Darius Rucker, Little Big Town and Zac Brown. Special guests Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley are also expected to appear, with proceeds from the event supporting Parton’s Imagination Library children’s literacy program.
Parton has built a legacy that extends far beyond country music, with much of her philanthropic work reflecting her commitment to education, compassion, and helping underserved communities. One of her best-known initiatives is the Imagination Library, which she founded in 1995 to provide free books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of their families’ income.
The program has since distributed hundreds of millions of books around the world. Parton has also voiced support for LGBTQ+ people and emphasized acceptance, making her public image closely associated with inclusivity.
Underwood, meanwhile, has found herself linked to a different political conversation after performing “America the Beautiful” at President Donald Trump’s January 2025 inauguration. Although the singer has previously expressed a preference for keeping her political views private, her decision to perform at the ceremony showed fans where she stood without saying anything.
Social Media Reactions
Across social media platforms, fans weren’t afraid to share their criticism of the CMAs including Underwood in the Dolly Parton tribute. "Disappointed to see Carrie Underwood’s name listed,” one user wrote on Instagram. “Dolly would hate this."
"Lost me at Carrie Underwood," wrote another user.
"Why is Carrie Underwood on here and not Kacey Musgraves?” questioned another. "Or Miley?"
"Dolly would not want Carrie’s Republican a** performing at her tribute," another person agreed.
"Will be muting Carrie’s performance,” said one user. “Perhaps taking my bathroom break then."
"Not sure who thought Carrie Underwood belongs at an event celebrating someone who used her platform for good!" wrote another.
"Who picked this lineup?” asked another. “Did they know anything about Dolly Parton? Ban Carrie Underwood!"
