Two of music's most respected, performer/songwriters Dolly Parton and Sir Elton John are joining forces for a musical first on "The 39th Annual CMA Awards" when they perform together during "Country Music's Biggest Night."

"I've always admired Sir Elton's songwriting, musicianship and singing and I'm thrilled to be working with him," Parton said. "It should be a very passionate performance."

"The audience and our viewers are in for a magical experience when two of the most flamboyant and best-loved entertainers in the world take the stage," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson.

"The 39th Annual CMA Awards" airs live Tuesday, November 15, 2005 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the CBS Television Network from Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Parton will join Elton in a performance of "Turn the Lights Out When You Leave" on the CMA Awards.

Performers already announced for the 2005 CMA Awards include Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Bon Jovi with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, CMA hosts Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Julie Roberts, George Strait, Sugarland, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, and Willie Nelson and Paul Simon, who will perform and then present CMA Song of the Year.

Presenters previously announced include Trace Adkins, James Gandolfini, Vince Gill, Billy Joel, Kris Kristofferson, LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix.

For the first time ever, tickets for the 2005 CMA Awards are available to the general public. Tickets can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (212) 307-7171 (or any local Ticketmaster outlet phone number); or in-person at the Madison Square Garden box office. The ticket price is $250 (not including tax and service charges).

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