Robin Roberts hosts ABC's 2026 CMA Awards countdown special featuring Darius Rucker, Dolly Parton, Lainey Wilson, and a look back at 60 years of country music history.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: November 14, 2026
ABC is celebrating six decades of the CMA Awards with Darius, Dolly and 60 Years of Celebration: Countdown to the CMAs with Robin Roberts, a one-hour primetime special airing Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
Hosted by Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, the program features a tribute to Dolly Parton, a preview of Darius Rucker's new documentary, and conversations with some of country music's biggest stars ahead of the 60th Annual CMA Awards.
When Does 'Darius, Dolly and 60 Years of Celebration' Air?
The special premieres Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET (9:00 to 10:00 p.m. CT) on ABC.
The broadcast takes place one night before the 60th Annual CMA Awards.
How to Watch the CMA Awards Countdown Special
Viewers can watch Darius, Dolly and 60 Years of Celebration live on ABC through their local television affiliate.
ABC is also available through participating live television streaming services that carry local ABC stations, including Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Channel availability depends on location and subscription.
Will the special be available on Hulu or Disney+?
ABC has not yet confirmed an on-demand streaming release date or platform for the countdown special.
What to Expect from the Robin Roberts CMA Special
Marking her 16th year hosting an annual CMA-related television special, Robin Roberts will celebrate the artists, performances, and memorable moments that have helped define the awards over the past six decades.
The program will feature several segments highlighting country music's past and present.
A Tribute to Dolly Parton
The special will recognize Dolly Parton's contributions to country music with a retrospective of memorable appearances and career moments.
The tribute will celebrate Parton's music, personality, and lasting influence on generations of entertainers and fans.
Darius Rucker Documentary Preview
Roberts will share a look at Darius Rucker: They Called Me Hootie, a new feature-length documentary examining the singer's life and career.
Roberts serves as an executive producer of the documentary, which follows Rucker's musical journey from his success with Hootie & the Blowfish to his career as a country music artist.
The documentary premieres November 16 on Hulu and features interviews with several of Rucker's longtime friends and collaborators.
Lainey Wilson Previews the 2026 CMA Awards
Lainey Wilson, who returns to host the CMA Awards for the third consecutive year, joins Roberts to discuss the upcoming 60th anniversary ceremony.
Wilson will also share lessons she has learned from Dolly Parton and offer viewers a preview of the celebration.
Additional Country Music Stars Featured
The special will also include appearances by:
Blake Shelton
Carly Pearce
Cody Johnson
Keith Urban
Throughout the hour, viewers will also revisit performances, collaborations, and historic moments from previous CMA Awards ceremonies.
How to Watch the 2026 CMA Awards
The 60th Annual CMA Awards air live Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Lainey Wilson hosts the ceremony, which will also be available to stream the following day on Hulu.
For the complete list of announced performers, nominees, presenters, and broadcast details, visit our 2026 CMA Awards Guide.