The 2026 Emmys paused the whole show Sunday night to honor Dolly Parton, and it was the kind of moment that reminded everybody why she meant so much to so many. Sally Field, who starred alongside Dolly in 1989’s“Steel Magnolias,”introduced the tribute with memories of their friendship and a line that will stick with fans for a long time:“God bless you, Dolly Parton, my friend. I am not the only one on earth who will love you forever.”
Reba McEntire then took the stage in a sparkling white dress and performed“Appalachian Memories”with a live symphony behind her. It was a tribute from one country legend to another, delivered with the grace you’d expect from Reba and the emotion the moment demanded.
Dolly passed away on August 25 at 80 years old after a private battle with cancer. She was buried in a small ceremony in Nashville beside her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, and her sister Stella has since shared details about Dolly’s final days. Dolly won a Primetime Emmy in 2021 for“Christmas on the Square”and was nominated four more times, making the Emmys stage a fitting place to say goodbye. What’s your favorite Dolly Parton memory? We’d love to hear it.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
