Reba McEntire honors Dolly Parton with tribute at Los Angeles Emmy Awards

Reba McEntire spoke about her friendship with late country music legend Dolly Parton during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, as reported by thebig98.iheart.com. Parton passed away on August 25 in Nashville, Tennessee, after a brief battle with cancer, according to an official announcement.

McEntire, 71, shared that she admired how Parton carried herself with confidence and poise, and how she made everyone feel comfortable in her presence. She recalled Parton's visit to California when she appeared on McEntire's TV show and treated everyone equally.

The tribute to Parton took place at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. McEntire performed Parton's song "Appalachian Memories" while wearing Parton's jewelry and other special nods to the late star.

McEntire described the performance as her way of sending off her friend and expressed honor at being asked to do the tribute. She mentioned that on the day Parton passed, they were working on the show Happy's Place and celebrated Parton's life rather than mourning.

Dolly Parton was laid to rest beside her husband, Carl Dean, who died earlier in March 2025. The outpouring of tributes reflects the impact Parton had on the music community and fans worldwide.