Reba McEntire honored her good friend, Dolly Parton, at the recent 2026 Emmy Awards. McEntire performed “Appalachian Memories,” a song written by Parton, which is part of Parton’s 1983 Burlap & Satin record.

Before McEntire’s performance, Sally Field gave a touching tribute to Parton and her enduring legacy.

“If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one, Dolly Parton,” Field began. “It was my great, good fortune to have worked with Dolly in a film called Steel Magnolias. “And over the years, I never stopped loving her, though we lived very far apart. I adored her from day one. How could you not? She was genuine and humble, supportive, and blisteringly funny, with a bawdy sense of humor that would send any rude guy looking for a place to hide. I couldn’t see then what a real giant Dolly was, not just as an artist, but as a human.

“She was a humanitarian whose contributions have made a profound difference in the lives of so many in her home state of Tennessee and across our country,” Field continued. “God bless you, Dolly Parton, my friend. I am not the only one on earth that will love you forever and ever.”

What Reba McEntire Said About the Loss of Dolly Parton

McEntire spoke out about Parton’s passing, shortly after the news was announced.

“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” McEntire wrote on social media. “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.”

 

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What Happened to Dolly Parton

Fans all over the world were shocked by the unexpected death of Parton, who died on August 25. After her death was announced, it was revealed that she had been quietly battling cancer, an illness she chose not to disclose. Although Parton did reveal she had some health struggles, her cancer diagnosis was not made public until after her death.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” Parton’s representatives later shared in a statement. “Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact,” the statement continued. “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”