Reba McEntire's Heartfelt Tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 Emmys

At the 2026 Emmy Awards, Reba McEntire took a moment to honor her late friend Dolly Parton, who passed away the previous month at the age of 80. Performing Parton’s poignant ballad "Appalachian Memories," McEntire reflected on their long-standing friendship and the deep impact Parton had on her life.

McEntire reminisced about the first time she met Parton on September 17, 1977, during her Grand Ole Opry debut. She recalled how the sight of Parton, dressed in a stunning black chiffon outfit adorned with rhinestone butterflies, left a lasting impression. “I will never forget her walking through like an angel!” McEntire exclaimed.

Fashioning a Tribute

In a nod to Parton's iconic style, McEntire donned a sparkling white gown designed by Michael Schmidt, reminiscent of the outfit Parton wore during her first television special in 1983. “I didn’t want to wear black. I wanted to wear something sparkly, just like Dolly would have done,” she stated. Complementing her look, McEntire wore jewelry lent by Parton's family, including rhinestone earrings and a butterfly ring, both symbols of the beloved singer’s signature glam.

Memories and Connections

Reflecting on her friendship with Parton, McEntire shared cherished memories of their time together, including the joy of working on music videos and television shows. She recalled how Parton reached out to support her during difficult times, including after the tragic loss of McEntire's band in a plane crash in 1991. “Dolly was one of the first people to call me. She offered her band to me,” McEntire remembered with gratitude.

Source: www.vogue.com