Reba McEntire and "Happy's Place" are paying tribute to McEntire's country music legend friendDolly Parton, who died Aug. 25 at age 80.
The Oct. 30 episode of the NBC comedywill conclude with a smiling photograph of the longtime friends and the words, "We will always love you." Parton died during the week
the "Happy's Place" cast was filming the season's second episode, leaving the set shaken by the loss."Everyone was pretty tore up," McEntire tells USA TODAY, recalling how one of the show's camera operators shared a story about Parton's appearance on McEntire's previous sitcom, "Reba." After the filming the 2005 episode around Valentine's Day, Parton handed out candy hearts to every crew member.
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"I didn't even know that story. But that's the type of person she was," McEntire says. "I never have met a person that says, 'I don't like Dolly Parton.' Everybody loves her worldwide and was touched by her passing."
The 'Happy's Place' photo was from Reba's duet with Dolly
The photograph chosen for the tribute comes from McEntire's 2021 remake of "Does He Love You," her 1993 duet with Linda Davis, which she rerecorded with Parton.
"Every memory I have with Dolly is a good one," McEntire says. "I am so fortunate and blessed to got to do a song with her."
The Oct. 30 episode, "Skeletons in the Closet," is particularly meaningful because it centers on Isabella's (Belissa Escobedo) celebration of Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday honoring deceased loved ones. "Happy's Place" co-owners Isabella and half-sister Bobbie (McEntire) revisit memories of their late father, Happy, while preparing an ofrenda, a traditional altar honoring the dead. The episode also features the return of Isabella's mother, Maritza (Justina Machado).
Parton has remained on McEntire's mind, especially as her social media feeds have been flooded with Parton stories and videos, just like everyone else. McEntire says she regularly encounters new information about her longtime friend's music and her philanthropy.
"It's the breadth of her music, from rock and roll to bluegrass, to songs about cheating to songs about her spirituality," says McEntire. "And what I've learned about Dolly is that Dolly's a giver, I knew that, but I had no idea to the extent."
McEntire on Emmys tribute to Dolly: 'I felt she was there'
McEntire also paid tribute to Parton at the Sept. 14 Emmy Awards,performing her late friend's autobiographical song "Appalachian Memories." She says she felt Parton's presence onstage.
"I felt Dolly with me on the stage. I really did," McEntire says.
Still she avoided looking at any of the famous faces in the audience during the song, especially her former "Reba" co-star Jean Smart who was sitting in the front row. McEntire had clocked the seat placement from placards placed during rehearsal.
"I wouldn't look at anybody because I knew I wanted to do a good job for Dolly and for the Emmy organization," McEntire says. "But mainly I didn't look just to get through it. Because it is a very heartfelt tribute."
She made it through the performance like a pro.
"I said my 'thank yous,' and headed backstage to the dressing room," says McEntire. "About four feet away from the dressing room, I broke down crying."
How to watch 'Happy's Place'
Season 3 of "Happy's Place" premieres Friday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock. The Oct. 30 episode, titled "Skeletons in the Closet," features a tribute to Dolly Parton.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reba McEntire on 'Happy's Place' Dolly Parton tribute, unseen tears for friend | Exclusive
