REBA McEntire and Sally Field brought the Emmys audience to tears as they honored the late Dolly Parton in a deeply personal tribute just weeks after the beloved icon’s death.
Sally, 79, took the stage first to remember her former Steel Magnolias co-star, speaking warmly about the woman she knew both on and off the screen.
Sally Field speaks onstage during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California Credit: Getty
Reba McEntire delivered an emotional performance of Dolly’s beloved song, Appalachian Memories Credit: Jattvibe
The actress shared memories of Dolly and reflected on the lasting impression she made during their time together on the beloved 1989 film.
Standing onstage, Sally spoke of the woman behind the worldwide fame, remembering her former co-star as someone whose warmth and humor made an “unforgettable impression.”
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“If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one,” Sally said as she began her tribute.
She went on to recall how much she adored Dolly from the moment they met.
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“I adored her from day one – how could you not?” Sally gushed.
She also spoke about the entertainer’s sense of humor, describing Dolly as “blisteringly funny” and recalling the wit that could leave “even the toughest person speechless.”
Her memories painted a picture of a woman who could command a room with her personality just as easily as she could a stage with her music.
Sally then reflected on Dolly’s larger impact, describing her as a “real giant” – not only because of everything she accomplished as an entertainer, but because of who she was as a human being.
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Sally Field speaks during a tribute to Dolly Parton at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Sally Field and Dolly Parton with their Steel Magnolias co-stars: Herbert Ross, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dudakis, and Julia Roberts Credit: Alamy
It was an especially poignant tribute coming from Sally, who shared the screen with her in Steel Magnolias, where Dolly played the beloved Truvy Jones alongside Sally’s M’Lynn Eatenton.
After Sally’s touching words, Reba took the stage to honor her longtime friend through music.
The country superstar performed Dolly’s Appalachian Memories, delivering the song as a moving farewell to one of country music’s most enduring figures.
Following Dolly’s death last month, Reba shared a heartfelt tribute to her friend, thanking her for the love and music she had given the world and writing that there would “never ever be another you.”
Reba McEntire performs Appalachian Memories to tribute Dolly Parton Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Reba McEntire performs “Appalachian Memories” during a tribute to Dolly Parton. 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, Show, Los Angeles, California, USA Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
She also recalled their final conversation and ended her message with a simple declaration: “I will always love you.”
Dolly died on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer, prompting an outpouring of grief from across Hollywood, country music and beyond.
That sentiment carried into the Emmys, where Reba’s performance served as a tribute not only to Dolly’s extraordinary career but to the friendship they shared.
Dolly’s legacy stretched far beyond country music.
Dolly Parton, pictured here performing on stage, passed away in August at the age of 80Credit: Refer to source
The iconic singer is pictured here at Glastonbury FestivalCredit: Refer to source
Over a career spanning more than five decades, she became an acclaimed songwriter, singer, actress, television star and philanthropist, with an influence that reached many generations of fans.
She earned five Emmy nominations and won an Emmy for her 2020 Netflix film Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, further cementing her place in television history.
But for those who knew her personally, including Sally and Reba, Dolly was far more than the rhinestone-covered superstar known around the world.
The legendary entertainer was a friend, a collaborator and a woman whose warmth left an indelible mark on the people lucky enough to know her.
