Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton With Rendition of ‘Appalachian Memories’
The beloved country music superstars shared a decades-long friendship.
On September 14, 2026, the Primetime Emmys honored the late country music icon Dolly Parton. The tribute was presented by actress Sally Field, who had previously worked with Parton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias. The tribute featured a performance by Reba McEntire, a longtime friend of Parton's.
Field expressed her deep admiration for Parton, stating that she never stopped loving her. She praised Parton's genuine and humble nature, her bawdy sense of humor, and her humanitarian contributions. Field also noted Parton's profound impact on her home state of Tennessee and across the country.
A clip from Parton's 1983 performance of "Appalachian Memories" was shown during the tribute. McEntire performed the song live, expressing her love for Parton and reflecting on the depth of her music catalog. Parton had previously won a Primetime Emmy for executive producer of Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square in 2021.
Parton had previously received several Emmy nominations, including her first in 1974 and three more as executive producer of subsequent specials. Her induction into the Primetime Emmy Hall of Fame in 2004 was also mentioned. The tribute aired before the annual In Memoriam segment, which included a Noah Kahan performance.
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