The 2026 Emmys occurred on September 14 in Los Angeles.
Reba McEntire paid tribute to her friend, the late Dolly Parton, during the star-studded ceremony.
Dolly died at age 80 from cancer on August 25.
Reba McEntire is paying tribute to her longtime friend on one of the biggest stages.
On August 25, the world was devastated to learn that Dolly Parton had died at age 80 from cancer. At the time, celebrities, including Reba, and fans paid tribute to the star’s longtime career in music and TV, which included movies like Steel Magnolias and songs like “9 to 5.”
Now, Reba is celebrating Dolly on a bigger platform, participating in a tribute to her at the 2026 Emmys on September 14. After opening remarks from Dolly’s Steel Magnolias co-star Sally Field, Reba got onstage to perform Dolly’s hit song “Appalachian Memories” in a stunning white bejeweled gown. Viewers saw Reba get emotional while honoring her late friend’s legacy.
“I love you, Dolly, very much,” she stated at the end of her performance.
Shortly after Reba finished paying her respects to Dolly, fans began sharing their thoughts on the moment.
“I’m sorry you’re telling me Reba McEntire is singing a Dolly Parton tribute at the Emmys and you expect me not to start bawling crying,” one person wrote on X. “That was an amazing tribute, Reba McEntire,” another agreed. “Reba McEntire was the perfect one to do that tribute for Dolly Parton,” a different follower noted.
At the time of Dolly’s death, Reba went on Instagram with a heartbreaking message about the two’s friendship.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” she wrote at the time. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music, and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
“Thank you, Lord, for Dolly,” she added. “She’s gonna have a blast in heaven singing all her favorite songs with all her family and friends who have gone on before her. I’ll never forget the first time I met you, and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart. I will always love you, Reba.”
