Reba McEntire, longtime friend of Dolly Parton, is reported to be honoring the "Queen of Country Music" with a tribute at the 78th Emmy Awards.
Parton's family announced the star had died at the age of 80
with a social media post on Aug. 25. Since then, an outpouring of tributes have honored the country icon. Just minutes after her death was announced, McEntire, among other stars, took to her own social media to share condolences."There will never ever be another you," McEntire wrote in an Instagram post. "We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang."
The planned tribute at the 2026 Emmy Awards comes after other shows were dedicated to Parton, including aGrand Ole Opry performance. Parton had been a member
of the Opry for nearly 60 years and first performed on the iconic radio show at just 13.
Parton had been nominated for an Emmy five times and won once in 2021 for Outstanding Television Movie for "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square." Here's what to know about McEntire's upcoming tribute to Parton.
How to watch Reba McEntire's tribute to Parton
The 78th ceremony of the Emmy Awards will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will air on NBC at 8 p.m. ET and 7 p.m. CT, Monday, Sept. 14. The show will also be streaming on Peacock.
It's expected that McEntire will perform one of Parton's songs, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Watch the Emmys' tribute to Dolly on Peacock
Several pre-show, red carpet events will be aired and streamed by other outlets.
- CNN and Variety are hosting a red carpet special on the CNN website and CNN's app at 5 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. CT.
- "Live From E!: The Emmys" starts at 6 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. CT and will be on until the show begins.
- NBC's red carpet pre-show will air on TikTok Live at 7 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. CT.
- USA TODAY will be streaming the Emmy Award red carpet on its YouTube channel starting at 5 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. CT.
Dolly Parton's best TV moments
The Emmy Awards recognize outstanding TV accomplishments. Parton was nominated five times. Parton's first nomination was in 1978 for a performance on "Cher Special." Parton was nominated for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music.
"Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" (2017), "Dolly Parton's Heartstrings: These Old Bones" (2020), "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square" (2021) and "Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas" (2023) were all nominated for Outstanding Television Movie. Parton took home the Emmy in 2021.
Like her singing career, Parton's TV career spanned several decades.
Parton first appeared on "The Porter Wagoner Show" from 1967 to 1974. When Parton left the show, she wrote what is probably her most well-known song, "I Will Always Love You," for Wagoner.
Parton appeared once on McEntire's show, "Reba" in 2005. Parton played Dolly Majors, who was the owner of a real estate company where McEntire's character, Reba Hart, works.
Parton also appeared on Disney's "Hannah Montana" and played Aunt Dolly, the godmother of Miley Stewart, played by Miley Cyrus. Parton's character on the show mirrored her real relationship with Cyrus, as she was her godmother outside the show. She appeared on three episodes of the series in 2006, 2007 and 2010.
The "Jolene" singer's career extended into animated TV series too. In 1999, Parton played a cartoon version of herself on "The Simpsons."
Parton's TV career included multiple other roles and guest appearances. She also had a successful film career.
Who is Reba McEntire?
McEntire, 71, has had a successful country music and TV career spanning decades, similar to Parton.
McEntire was born and raised in Oklahoma and was performing in a band with her siblings, the Singing McEntires, by the time she was in high school. In 1975, she signed a contract with Mercury Records after singer Red Steagall heard McEntire sing the National Anthem at a rodeo.
The "Fancy" singer's career has landed her awards including CMA Female Vocalist of the Year four times, the CMA Entertainer of the Year award and three Grammy Awards.
McEntire has also had an expansive TV career. Her most well-known roles include those on "Reba" and "Happy's Place." She has appeared on "Young Sheldon" and "Big Sky." McEntire was an advisor and judge on the TV show "The Voice" for multiple seasons.
Afton Pratt covers trending and breaking news for Knox News and Tennessee. She can be reached at ampratt@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton to be honored by friend Reba McEntire at the Emmys. How to watch
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
