Country music powerhouses Dolly Parton and Sheryl Crow are lending their iconic voices and star presence to one of television’s most meaningful nights. The legendary artists are set to appear in the upcoming Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) telecast, which will broadcast live for the first time from Nashville, Tennessee, on August 15.

Crow, a longtime SU2C supporter, will host the ninth biennial special, while Parton is slated to appear in a feature segment during the broadcast. Additional performers and celebrity participants are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, building anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music, emotion, and purpose.

A Nashville First for a National Cause

The event marks the first time the telecast will be staged in Nashville, a move organizers hope will inject fresh energy into the nearly two-decade-old initiative.

“The goal of Stand Up To Cancer has always been about working collaboratively to push cancer research forward so we could help patients as quickly as possible,” said co-founder Katie Couric in a statement. “Nearly two decades later, it’s incredibly gratifying and inspiring to see the impact of this research. Bringing the show to Nashville will infuse new energy and excitement into our mission.”

SU2C was founded in 2008 by Couric and an influential group of women in the entertainment industry, including Sherry Lansing, Kathleen Lobb, Lisa Paulsen, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Pamela Oas Williams, Ellen Ziffren, Laura Ziskin, and Noreen Fraser. The initiative has since grown into one of the most recognized fundraising efforts for cancer research in the United States.

Big Names, Bigger Mission

This year’s telecast, set to air at 8 p.m. ET/PT and 7 p.m. CT, will be broadcast across all four major U.S. networks and made available on-demand across multiple digital and streaming platforms. The show’s production team, co-led by SU2C and Done + Dusted, is aiming to strike a balance between entertainment and heartfelt storytelling.

“Our goal is to create a night that’s both entertaining and deeply impactful,” said Liz Kelly, co-executive producer.

Behind the scenes, the show boasts a powerful production roster including executive producers Pam Oas Williams and Lisa Paulsen (SU2C co-founders), Rod Essig of CAA, Kevin Yorn of Yorn Levine/BroadLight Capital, and Rick Yorn of LBI Entertainment/BroadLight Capital. James Merryman will direct, and Derek Wells will serve as musical director.

A Personal Cause for Many

While details about Parton’s appearance have not been publicly disclosed, her participation comes as no surprise. The country icon has long supported healthcare initiatives, famously donating to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and funding vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sheryl Crow, herself a breast cancer survivor, brings a deeply personal connection to the event. Her role as host adds emotional resonance to the evening and underscores the significance of raising awareness through storytelling, music, and shared experience.

Both artists represent a fusion of star power and sincere advocacy, using their platforms not for promotion, but for purpose. Their involvement is expected to elevate the telecast’s impact, particularly among country music fans and Southern audiences who may feel a deeper connection with the Nashville location.

A National Broadcast with a Grassroots Heart

Over the years, Stand Up to Cancer has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for groundbreaking cancer research, funding collaborative teams and supporting the development of new treatments across institutions.

Its unique approach—merging celebrity influence with scientific urgency—has allowed the organization to break through traditional fundraising barriers. The biennial telecast serves as a unifying force, drawing in viewers from across political and cultural lines with a simple, shared goal: ending cancer.

The August 15 broadcast will aim to continue that legacy, combining musical performances, celebrity appearances, and survivor stories to drive donations and inspire hope.

What to Expect

While the full list of performers and participants has yet to be announced, viewers can expect a heartfelt night of tributes, stories of resilience, and powerful calls to action. With Dolly Parton and Sheryl Crow leading the charge, this year’s Stand Up to Cancer special is poised to be both emotionally resonant and musically unforgettable.

As the country grapples with rising cancer diagnoses and the urgent need for continued research, the 2025 telecast serves as a powerful reminder of the impact unity—and entertainment—can have on real lives.

Tune in on August 15 to witness the healing power of music, memory, and community, as two of America’s most beloved artists take the stage for a cause that touches us all.