Reba McEntire Missed Dolly Parton’s Final Call — And She Still Doesn’t Know Why
Reba McEntire is opening up about one heartbreaking moment she will never forget: the final phone call she received from her longtime friend Dolly Parton.
Dolly called Reba at the end of July while Reba was in a meeting. She missed the call and tried to reach Dolly afterward, but the two never managed to connect.
Reba Still Wonders Why Dolly Called
Speaking about the missed call, Reba said she was unable to get back in touch with Dolly after seeing the missed call.
Then came the devastating news that Dolly had died.
Reba said she immediately realized she might never know why Dolly had tried to reach her.
“I’ll find out one day,” Reba said, reflecting on the unanswered question.
For Reba, however, that final missed call does not erase the many years of friendship and memories they shared.
A Friendship That Lasted for Decades
Reba first met Dolly in 1977, when she was making her Grand Ole Opry debut.
What began with Reba meeting one of her musical heroes eventually became a decades-long friendship between two of country music’s most recognizable voices.
Following Dolly’s death, Reba shared an emotional tribute, thanking her friend for the love, music, and kindness she gave to so many people.
She also remembered their final conversation and said she would always hold it close to her heart.
Reba Carried Dolly’s Memory Onto the Emmy Stage
Reba later honored Dolly during the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards.
She performed “Appalachian Memories” as part of a special tribute to her longtime friend.
The tribute was especially personal because Reba wore jewelry that belonged to Dolly, including a butterfly ring and earrings.
For Reba, it was more than simply performing one of Dolly’s songs. It was a way of carrying a piece of her friend with her onto the stage.
One Question Reba May Never Have Answered
Dolly’s final call remains an unanswered mystery for Reba.
She may never know exactly what Dolly wanted to say that day. But after decades of friendship, Reba clearly knows how much their relationship meant to her.
And perhaps, as Reba said, she will find out one day.
