Lukas Nelson and Lainey Wilson Deliver Heartfelt Dolly Parton Tribute With You Can’t Make Old Friends

Lukas Nelson and Lainey Wilson joined forces for an emotional performance honoring Dolly Parton during a star-studded country music celebration in Nashville.

The two artists performed You Can’t Make Old Friends at CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, a special concert dedicated to remembering the legendary singer’s life, music and remarkable influence.

Held at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the event brought together established country stars and younger performers to celebrate Parton’s enduring legacy.

Lukas Nelson and Lainey Wilson Honor Dolly Parton With Emotional Duet

As the son of country music legend Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson grew up surrounded by some of the genre’s most influential performers.

His musical upbringing exposed him to the traditions of outlaw country and the artists who helped shape its distinctive sound.

During the CMA tribute, however, Nelson’s focus was entirely on celebrating Parton’s legacy.

He was joined by Lainey Wilson for a rendition of You Can’t Make Old Friends, a song closely associated with Parton’s friendship and musical partnership with Kenny Rogers.

The performance carried particular emotional weight during an evening devoted to remembering the country icon.

Wilson, who had developed a personal friendship with Parton, brought her own connection to the tribute, making the collaboration especially meaningful.

Together, the two performers highlighted the themes of friendship, shared memories and enduring relationships that made the song an appropriate choice for the occasion.

Country Music’s Biggest Stars Gather in Nashville

The two-hour television special was presented by the Country Music Association in partnership with ABC and Disney.

It featured an extensive lineup of performers representing different generations of country music.

Among those participating were Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Zac Brown, Amy Grant and Lainey Wilson.

Each performance celebrated a different aspect of Parton’s extraordinary career, from her songwriting achievements to her influence on artists across the music industry.

The event also provided an opportunity for musicians who had admired or worked alongside Parton to express their appreciation through her songs.

Belmont University Celebrates Dolly Parton’s Lasting Influence

Belmont University hosted the special at its Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, a venue already connected to Parton’s creative legacy.

The university previously partnered with the singer through its DOLLY U initiative and hosted the world premiere of a musical inspired by her life.

Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones reflected on the significance of welcoming artists and guests to Nashville for the tribute.

He emphasized Parton’s deep connection to Tennessee and her contributions to music, creativity and charitable causes.

Although Parton never attended Belmont University, Jones noted that her entrepreneurial spirit, generosity and commitment to helping others reflected values that the institution seeks to encourage.

The Tribute Also Supported Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Beyond the musical performances, the celebration helped raise support for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The charitable literacy initiative provides books to children, helping families encourage reading from an early age.

The program has become one of Parton’s most widely recognized philanthropic achievements, extending her influence far beyond the entertainment industry.

By supporting the initiative, Nelson, Wilson and the other participating artists contributed to an effort designed to preserve an important part of her legacy.

Their involvement demonstrated that the evening was intended not only to remember Parton’s accomplishments but also to help continue the charitable work she championed.

For Nelson and Wilson, performing You Can’t Make Old Friends offered a fitting tribute to a singer whose music celebrated human connection and whose generosity helped improve lives around the world.