Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull Deliver Emotional Dolly Parton Tribute With “When I Get Where I’m Going”

Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull brought a moving moment to a special celebration of Dolly Parton’s life, joining their voices for a heartfelt rendition of “When I Get Where I’m Going,” the country classic Paisley originally recorded with Parton in 2005.

The performance was part of CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, a television special that aired Wednesday, October 21, from Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The event gathered an impressive lineup of artists to honor Parton’s life, music, and lasting influence on the entertainment world.

For those who missed the broadcast, the special is now available to stream on Hulu.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Dolly Parton’s Legacy

Following news of Parton’s passing on August 25, the CMA announced a live television tribute celebrating her remarkable life and legacy.

The special brought together musicians whose careers and lives had been touched by the legendary singer. Among those taking part were Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and several other well-known performers.

Paisley’s contribution carried particular significance because of his longstanding connection with Parton. Their musical partnership produced one of his most memorable recordings, making his return to the song an especially fitting choice for the occasion.

Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton’s Musical Connection

Paisley and Parton first recorded “When I Get Where I’m Going” together in 2005. The song became a major success, climbing to No. 1 on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart.

Its enduring appeal made it a natural choice for a tribute celebrating Parton’s life. After her passing, Paisley also performed the song at one of his concerts in her honor, offering another personal acknowledgment of their musical connection.

Ahead of the CMA special, Paisley spoke about the importance of getting the performance right. During rehearsals, he told the CMA that he would try to do justice to the song he and Parton had recorded together.

He also reflected on Parton’s extraordinary place in music and entertainment.

“Dolly is a singular force in our town and in our format of music… in any format of music,” Paisley said during rehearsals.

He continued by acknowledging how her influence had reached far beyond country music, pointing to her place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and her standing among acting icons.

“That all would be enough to do a special like this and to honor her,” he added.

Sierra Hull Joins Paisley for a Tender Performance

When Paisley took the stage with Sierra Hull, the result was a gentle, emotional interpretation of the beloved song.

Hull’s voice stood out throughout the duet, particularly as she took on the delicate harmonies Parton had originally recorded. Her performance complemented Paisley’s vocals while preserving the song’s heartfelt character.

The pairing offered a fitting way to revisit a recording so closely associated with Paisley and Parton. Rather than changing the spirit of the original, the two musicians delivered a respectful rendition that placed the song’s emotional message at the center.

Paisley had hoped to do their song justice, and the performance provided a touching moment within an evening devoted to celebrating Parton’s extraordinary legacy.

Watch Brad Paisley and Sierra Hull perform “When I Get Where I’m Going” in the video below.