Reba McEntire has opened up about a heartbreaking missed opportunity involving her longtime friend Dolly Parton, revealing that Parton called her just weeks before her death. McEntire was unable to answer the call, and the country star now says one question about that moment continues to stay with her.
According to McEntire, Parton called her toward the end of July while she was in a meeting. Because she could not answer at the time, McEntire later tried to return the call, but the two longtime friends never managed to reconnect.
The missed call became especially meaningful after McEntire learned that Parton had died. When a friend eventually called to tell her the news, McEntire immediately remembered the unanswered call and realized she might never know why Parton had reached out.
McEntire explained that she still wonders about the reason for that final attempted conversation. She said she may never know why Parton called, although she expressed hope that she will understand someday.
The two country stars had shared a friendship spanning decades. They first met in 1977, when McEntire made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry. McEntire has previously recalled being thrilled when Parton unexpectedly appeared backstage during that important moment in her early career.
Over the years, their relationship grew beyond their musical connection. McEntire has repeatedly spoken warmly about Parton and the influence she had on her life, while the two remained connected through country music and numerous industry events.
Following Parton’s death at age 80 in August 2026, McEntire was among the many artists who publicly honored the country icon. She expressed gratitude for Parton’s music, generosity and friendship, saying she would continue to cherish the memories they shared.
McEntire later paid tribute to Parton at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. During the ceremony, she performed Parton’s “Appalachian Memories,” creating another emotional moment as she honored the friend whose final phone call she had missed.
The Emmy performance gave McEntire another opportunity to celebrate Parton’s legacy publicly, but the missed call remained something much more personal. While millions of fans remember Parton through her music and career, McEntire is left with the memory of a final unanswered attempt to connect.
For McEntire, the unanswered question may never have a definitive explanation. Still, her decades-long friendship with Parton, the memories they created and the music they shared remain part of the bond that McEntire continues to carry with her. The missed call may remain a mystery, but it has become one more poignant memory of a friendship that lasted for nearly five decades.
Compiled with information from various sources.
