Reba McEntire honours Dolly Parton with 'Appalachian Memories' at 2026 Emmys
Reba McEntire performed Dolly Parton's 1983 song 'Appalachian Memories' at the 2026 Emmys in memoriam segment, honouring the country icon who died on August 25 at 80.
The 2026 Emmy Awards paused to remember Dolly Parton, with fellow country star Reba McEntire performing Parton's 1983 song "Appalachian Memories" during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 from cancer.
Before McEntire took the stage, Sally Field, who appeared alongside Parton in Steel Magnolias, offered an emotional introduction. Field described the country icon as "a real giant" and an "angel on Earth."
The ceremony then screened archival footage of Parton introducing "Appalachian Memories" at the 1983 Emmys, after which McEntire delivered the song backed by an orchestral arrangement.
McEntire, a longtime friend and collaborator of Parton's across music and television, grew visibly emotional as the performance ended. She closed the tribute by saying, "I love you, Dolly. So much."
The moment underscored the bond between the two singers, their shared rural roots and a friendship that spanned decades.
The 2026 Emmys are being held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, with Mariska Hargitay as host. The ceremony airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock.