The 78th Emmy Awards aired Sept. 14, and longtime friend of Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, honored the "Queen of Country" with an emotional tribute.
McEntire's tribute to Parton at the Emmy Awards began with a touching introduction from Parton's "Steel Magnolias" co-star Sally Field.
"If there are truly angels on Earth, then we just lost one, Dolly Parton," Field said. "It was my great good fortune to have worked with Dolly." The Tennessee nativedied Aug. 25 in Nashville, Parton's family announced on social media. She was 80.
A clip of Parton in 1983 introducing her song "Appalachian Memories" from her album "Burlap & Satin" played right before McEntire took the stage.
"This song like I say is very important to me and I hope you like it. And if you don't
like it, well if you don't mind, I'd rather not hear about it later," Parton quipped prior to her 1983 performance.
Wearing a butterfly ring, an emblem that was important to Parton, McEntire stood against a backdrop of mountains and photos of Parton throughout her career and sang the "very important" song Parton introduced.
"I'll keep looking to the Father. Keep our heads above the water. Appalachian memories keep me strong," McEntire sang. Parton wrote "Appalachian Memories" about growing up in the Smoky Mountains.
"I love you, Dolly, so much," McEntire said at the end of her performance.
McEntire's tribute was part of the In Memoriam segment of the 2026 Emmy Awards, which also honored Eric Dane, Hal Williams, Sam Neill and Tim Curry.
Watch Reba McEntire's tribute to Dolly Parton at the Emmy Awards
McEntire was among the many stars who shared condolences and tributes to Parton after her death.
"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 p 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 the Emmys and Reba McEntire's tribute to Dolly Parton
The 78th ceremony of the Emmy Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and aired on NBC at 8 p.m. ET and 7 p.m. CT, Monday, Sept. 14. The show is available to stream on Peacock.
Watch the Emmys' tribute to Dolly on Peacock
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: Watch Dolly Parton's Emmys tribute featuring Reba McEntire emotional cover of 'Appalachian Memories'
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