A&E announces Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers programming

Network sets all-star tribute concert special honoring Nelson and two Biography premieres of Parton and Rogers

A&E Network has announced three new country music projects celebrating country music icons Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers with specials premiering this spring. Willie Nelson: American Outlaw premieres Sunday, April 12th at 10 pm ET/PT pays tribute to Nelson’s seven-decade long career through emotional performances, interviews and behind the scenes concert footage. Biography: Dolly premieres Sunday, April 12th at 8 pm ET/PT and explores the life and five-decade career of the songwriter and performer who has influenced generations of country and pop artists. Biography: Kenny Rogers premieres Monday, April 13th at 9 pm ET/PT and follows Rogers’ journey to country singer, actor, and pop-culture icon.

Willie Nelson: American Outlaw gives viewers a front row seat at Nashville’s one night only Willie Nelson tribute concert featuring an incredible line up of performers including George Strait, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Norah Jones and The Little Willies and many more. Celebrating Nelson’s seven-decade long career and highlighting over 200 of his albums, the two-hour special honors the iconic Texan as the creative genius behind some of country music’s most historic recordings. The special features over 20 never before televised performances, exclusive interviews, captivating behind the scenes footage of Willie Nelson and some of music’s biggest superstars, and an all-star sing-along of Nelson’s classic hit “On The Road Again.”

Two-hour documentary Biography: Dolly traces Dolly Parton’s extraordinary journey from her childhood spent in poverty and early days in Nashville to her multiple hit songs and recent 50th anniversary celebration at The Grand Ole Opry. Reflecting on the acute social commentary and personal stories within her lyrics, the documentary examines hit songs including “Jolene,” “9 To 5,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Featuring exclusive interviews with Parton herself, the documentary reveals the bold and fearless woman behind the rhinestones and wigs who has moved seamlessly with the times to inspire generations. Biography: Dolly also features interviews with Lily Tomlin, Chris Stapleton, Jane Fonda, Kylie Minogue and other friends and fellow musicians as they reflect on one of music’s most beloved stars.

Biography: Kenny Rogers chronicles Rogers’ life from his childhood, through the rise and fall of The First Edition, the iconic release of “The Gambler,” and to the height of his career as a successful solo artist, actor and pop-culture icon. Utilizing live performances and behind-the-scenes moments from Rogers’ 2017 star-studded farewell concert, All In For The Gambler, in Nashville, this Biography special pays tribute to a true country music legend. The two-hour documentary also features exclusive photos, a never-before-seen interview and acoustic performance by Rogers himself as well as intimate interviews with family and fellow luminaries including Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Jamey Johnson and more.

Willie Nelson: American Outlaw is produced by Blackbird Presents for A&E Network with Keith Wortman, Mark Rothbaum, and Robert Rauffer serving as executive producers. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson serve as executive producers for A&E Network.

Biography: Dolly is produced by Man Alive Entertainment for A&E Network. Producer/director is Francis Whately. Executive producers for Man Alive Entertainment are Justin Gorman, Dan McGaughey and Hannah Dodson. Executive producers for A&E Network are Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson. The series is distributed globally by Fremantle.

Biography: Kenny Rogers is produced by Blackbird Presents for A&E Network with Keith Wortman, Ken Levitan, Mark Anstendig, and Robert Rauffer serving as executive producers. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson serve as executive producers for A&E Network.

The celebrated Biography brand continues to highlight newsworthy personalities and events with compelling and surprising points-of-view, and remains the defining source for true stories from some of the most accomplished non-fiction storytellers of our time.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com