Dolly Parton CMA Tribute: Sabrina Carpenter, Julia Roberts, Oprah and More Remember the Country Icon as the ‘Great Unifier’

Oct 21, 2026 8:41pm PT Dolly Parton CMA Tribute: Sabrina Carpenter, Julia Roberts, Oprah and More Remember the Country Icon as the ‘Great Unifier’

By Payton Turkeltaub

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Payton Turkeltaub

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Sabrina Carpenter, Julia Roberts and Oprah were among the stars who paid tribute to Dolly Parton during the Country Music Association’s celebration of the late country icon Wednesday night.

Oprah, who appeared in a pre-recorded video at the beginning of the broadcast, shared what Dolly meant to her. “We’re both Tennessee girls, and she represented to me the essence of being 100% who you see yourself to be. Authentic all the time, and I just loved her for it,” she said. “I love that she had such grace and such tenacity. I mean, listen, if she put her mind to something, that was it. And I love that she was so generous of heart and generous of spirit, and her presence here on Earth will be felt for forever because the spirit that is so strong that was hers is actually everlasting.”

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