Reba McEntire Delivers Emotional Tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 Emmys
Reba McEntire honored her longtime friend Dolly Parton with one of the most emotional moments of the 2026 Emmy Awards.
During Monday night’s ceremony in Los Angeles, Reba took the stage to pay tribute to the country music legend, who died on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
Reba Sings Dolly Parton’s “Appalachian Memories”
Reba appeared on a cloud-filled stage wearing an elegant white gown as photos from Dolly Parton’s life played behind her.
She performed Dolly’s 1983 song “Appalachian Memories,” delivering an emotional rendition of the song that has deep ties to Parton’s Appalachian roots.
The performance became even more emotional as Reba struggled to hold back tears while singing.
At the end of the tribute, Reba quietly said:
“I love you, Dolly.”
The performance followed a heartfelt tribute from actress Sally Field, who starred alongside Dolly in Steel Magnolias. Field described Dolly as genuine, humble, supportive and deeply funny. She also praised Parton’s humanitarian work and lasting impact.
Reba McEntire pays tribute to Dolly Parton singing “Appalachian Memories” #Emmys pic.twitter.com/qygDX44XTB
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 15, 2026
Reba and Dolly Shared a Decades-Long Friendship
Reba and Dolly’s friendship goes back many years.
Following Dolly’s death in August, Reba shared a series of photos of the two together and wrote an emotional message honoring her friend.
Reba described Dolly as someone whose music, love and generosity touched countless lives.
“There will never ever be another you,” Reba wrote in her tribute after Parton’s death.
Their connection also extended to television. Dolly appeared on Reba’s former sitcom in 2005, giving fans another memorable moment between the two country stars.
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Dolly Parton’s Legacy Lives On
Dolly Parton’s influence reached far beyond country music.
She built a career spanning music, television, movies and philanthropy. Her songs became part of American culture, while her Imagination Library became one of her most important charitable legacies.
The 2026 Emmys tribute offered another reminder of how deeply Dolly touched the entertainment world.
For Reba, however, the moment was clearly personal.
Standing on that stage and singing Dolly’s song, she was not simply honoring a country music icon.
She was saying goodbye to a dear friend.
