Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton With Emotional Performance at the 2026 Emmys
Reba McEntire turned one of television’s biggest nights into a deeply personal farewell to Dolly Parton, performing Parton’s “Appalachian Memories” during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, September 14.
Dressed in a shimmering white gown, McEntire stood on a stage surrounded by soft clouds and atmospheric lighting as images of Parton and the Appalachian landscape appeared behind her. The performance became one of the evening’s most emotional tributes to the country music icon, who died on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, bringing together some of television’s biggest stars to celebrate the year’s notable performances and productions.
For McEntire, however, the evening carried a much more personal significance.
Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton Shared a Decades-Long Friendship
McEntire and Parton had been friends for decades, with their relationship stretching back to the early years of McEntire’s career.
Their connection continued through major milestones in both women’s personal lives and careers. They also shared the stage and collaborated professionally, including a new version of McEntire’s hit song “Does He Love You” in 2021.
McEntire publicly mourned Parton shortly after news of her death became known. She shared a collection of photographs documenting their years of friendship and reflected on the loss of someone she had deeply admired and loved.
“There will never be another you,” McEntire wrote.
She also expressed her hope that Parton would be reunited in heaven with family members and friends who had passed before her, ending her message with a simple declaration of love.
That affection was unmistakable when McEntire stepped onto the Emmy stage.
A Moving Performance of “Appalachian Memories”
McEntire performed “Appalachian Memories,” a song Parton wrote about her Smoky Mountain roots and originally released in 1983 on the album Burlap & Satin. Parton herself performed the song at the 1983 Emmy ceremony, making McEntire’s choice especially meaningful.
As McEntire sang, photographs and images from Parton’s life appeared behind her. The staging incorporated a band, piano and strings, with the singer surrounded by a dreamlike layer of fog.
McEntire appeared visibly emotional as she worked her way through the song. Rather than turning the performance into a celebration of Parton’s fame alone, the tribute reflected the personal bond between two country stars whose friendship had lasted for decades.
When the song ended, McEntire looked out toward the audience and quietly said, “I love you, Dolly.”
The Television Academy described the segment as a celebration of Parton’s life and career, with McEntire performing the song written by her longtime friend.
Sally Field Also Remembered Dolly
McEntire’s performance was part of a larger Emmy tribute to Parton.
Actress Sally Field, who starred with Parton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, opened the segment by reflecting on their friendship and Parton’s impact. Field spoke about Parton’s warmth, humor, generosity and support for others before McEntire took the stage.
The decision to give Parton a dedicated tribute at the Emmys reflected her longstanding connection to television as well as her extraordinary career in music.
Parton appeared on television from an early age and went on to become a familiar presence through variety programs, interviews, acting roles and guest appearances. Her television work eventually earned her five Emmy nominations, and she won Outstanding Television Movie in 2021 as an executive producer of Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.
A Personal Farewell on a Major Television Stage
For McEntire, the Emmy tribute offered an opportunity to honor Parton not only as a country music legend, but as a close friend.
The images, music and quiet emotion of the performance brought their long friendship into focus. McEntire’s choice of “Appalachian Memories” also connected Parton’s music to the Appalachian roots that shaped so much of her identity and career.
The tribute ultimately ended where McEntire’s personal farewell had begun: with love and gratitude for a friend whose influence reached far beyond country music.
As the final notes faded, her words, “I love you, Dolly,” provided a simple closing to an emotional remembrance at the 2026 Emmy Awards.
You can watch Reba perform “Appalachian Memories” for Dolly Parton below.