Reba McEntire delivered one of the most emotional moments of the 78th Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026, performing Dolly Parton’s “Appalachian Memories” in honor of her longtime friend. The tribute took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, only weeks after Parton died at age 80.
Before McEntire appeared, Sally Field introduced the tribute with a heartfelt remembrance of her “Steel Magnolias” co-star. Field described Parton as genuine, humble, supportive and exceptionally funny while also recognizing the enormous impact of her humanitarian work.
McEntire then took the stage for “Appalachian Memories,” a song Parton wrote about her upbringing and family in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains. Rather than choosing one of Parton’s biggest crossover hits, McEntire selected a song closely connected to the country icon’s roots.
The choice was deeply personal. McEntire explained that “Appalachian Memories” had long been one of her favorite Parton songs and that its focus on family and where Parton came from made it particularly appropriate for the occasion.
McEntire’s tribute extended beyond the music. She wore a sparkling white gown rather than traditional mourning black, explaining that she wanted something glamorous that reflected Parton’s famously bright and rhinestone-filled style.
The white gown also contained a historical reference. Parton had worn a white fringed gown when performing “Appalachian Memories” during her 1983 “Live in London” television special, and McEntire said her Emmy outfit was intended as a subtle nod to that performance.
Even more personal were McEntire’s accessories. Parton’s niece Rebecca allowed McEntire to borrow pieces of Dolly’s own jewelry, and McEntire selected rhinestone earrings and a butterfly ring to wear while singing the tribute.
McEntire’s admiration for Parton stretched back nearly five decades. She recalled first seeing her on September 17, 1977, when McEntire was preparing to make her Grand Ole Opry debut and learned that one of her songs would be cut because Parton had unexpectedly arrived.
Instead of being upset, McEntire was thrilled by the possibility of meeting someone she admired so deeply. That first encounter eventually developed into a friendship as both women became defining figures in country music and worked together numerous times over the years.
Their busy careers meant they did not communicate as frequently as McEntire would have liked. She recalled that Parton often communicated by fax and joked that even Kenny Rogers did not have her phone number, making the times they worked together especially valuable opportunities to catch up.
As McEntire reached the end of “Appalachian Memories,” the performance became an unmistakably personal farewell. She closed by telling her late friend, “I love you, Dolly. So much,” bringing the musical tribute to an emotional conclusion.
The combination of Parton’s own song, the white gown inspired by her 1983 performance, and jewelry borrowed from her family made McEntire’s appearance much more than a conventional awards-show tribute. It became a carefully constructed remembrance of Parton’s beginnings, personality and friendship—a farewell from one country legend to another.
