Reba McEntire gave Dolly Parton a deeply emotional tribute at the 2026 Emmy Awards, and viewers watching at home were not ready for the moment.
The 2026 Emmys took place in Los Angeles on Sept. 14, just weeks after Parton died at age 80 following a battle with cancer. During the ceremony, Reba took the stage to honor her longtime friend and country music icon.
The tribute began with Sally Field, who costarred with Parton in Steel Magnolias, sharing heartfelt memories of the late star. Reba then appeared in a beautiful white gown covered in sparkling details and performed Parton’s song Appalachian Memories.
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Reba became visibly emotional as she sang, making the tribute even more touching. At the end of the performance, she shared a simple message for her late friend: “I love you, Dolly, very much.”
Fans immediately took to social media to share their reactions.
“I’m sorry you’re telling me Reba McEntire is singing a Dolly Parton tribute at the Emmys and you expect me not to start bawling crying,” one viewer wrote.
“That was an amazing tribute, Reba McEntire,” another fan said.
A third viewer praised the choice of performer, writing that “Reba McEntire was the perfect one to do that tribute for Dolly Parton.”
The emotional response was hardly surprising. Reba had already shared a heartbreaking message after Parton’s death, remembering the special friendship they had built over the years.
“Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” Reba wrote at the time. “Your love, your music, and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart.”
She also remembered meeting Parton for the first time and their final conversation, saying both moments would stay with her forever.
“There will never ever be another you,” Reba wrote. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
Reba’s Emmy performance gave her another chance to celebrate Parton’s life and legacy. For many viewers, it quickly became one of the most emotional moments of the night.