Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Dolly Parton’s Voices Combine in CMA Awards History-Making Performance
The 2019 Country Music Association Awards opened with a moment that instantly secured its place in country music history. For the first time, three of the genre’s most powerful female voices — Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Dolly Parton — stood side by side to co-host the ceremony and deliver an opening performance that was as symbolic as it was stirring.
Together, the trio launched into Parton’s “Those Memories of You,” a song first recorded by Bill Monroe before being immortalized on the 1987 Trio album by Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. Their rendition at the CMA Awards shimmered as both homage and declaration, proving that the legacy of women in country music remains strong and relevant. As the final harmonies faded, they were joined by an ensemble of country icons — including Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, and Tanya Tucker — to deliver a medley celebrating female artistry across generations.
The evening’s theme, branded “the year of the woman,” was evident from the very first note. The decision to place McEntire, Underwood, and Parton at the helm of the ceremony marked the first time three women co-hosted the CMA Awards. For executive producer Robert Deaton, the choice was long overdue. “Fans want to see more than just who’s on country radio right now,” he explained, pointing to the success of the genre’s more reflective 50th anniversary show in 2016. By elevating legacy artists alongside new stars, Deaton said, the CMAs hoped to create a fuller picture of country music’s past, present, and future.
For the three co-hosts, the chemistry was immediate. Carrie Underwood, who had spent more than a decade co-hosting the CMAs with Brad Paisley, said the new partnership was not about imitation but about representation. “I love the fact that we’re just going to be up there paying tribute and representing women in country music,” she said. “We are definitely not trying to duplicate what Brad and I did because that would be impossible. We want people to see and hear that women are important in country music, and we want to be celebrated.”
Dolly Parton, who previously hosted the CMAs in 1988, was equally delighted to return. Known for her quick wit and humor, she needed little script to shine. Deaton recalled that during rehearsal she ad-libbed within seconds, bringing laughter to the room. “She’s so sharp and funny and clever,” he said. “Such a great writer.”
Reba McEntire, a CMA veteran herself, rounded out the trio with the kind of authority that comes from decades of chart-topping hits and a commanding stage presence. Alongside Underwood’s powerhouse vocals and Parton’s legendary charm, the hosting lineup embodied three distinct eras of country music, seamlessly united in one night.
The female-forward opening performance included not only the three hosts but also Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, The Highwomen, Gretchen Wilson, and more, weaving together decades of hits. Later in the show, younger performers like Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Lindsay Ell, and Runaway June took the spotlight, underscoring the importance of giving rising women a platform on country’s biggest stage.
Beyond the music, the ceremony was a celebration of balance in a genre often dominated by men. The medley of female-driven songs, combined with heartfelt tributes and collaborations, underscored the impact of women who built country music while spotlighting those carrying the torch forward.
Throughout the night, legends and newcomers stood side by side. Willie Nelson joined Kacey Musgraves for a duet, while Brooks & Dunn performed with Brothers Osborne. But it was the presence of McEntire, Underwood, and Parton together — three voices, three legacies, three generations — that defined the evening.
The 2019 CMA Awards proved that history is not only about remembering the past but also about shaping the future. By putting women at the forefront, the show celebrated the resilience, creativity, and enduring power of female voices in country music. And as Reba, Carrie, and Dolly’s harmonies rang through Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, they left no doubt: when country’s women sing together, the whole world listens.