There was barely a dry eye in the room when the 2026 Emmy Awards paused the trophies and television celebrations to remember the late Dolly Parton.
The emotional tribute began with Sally Field, who starred alongside Parton in the beloved 1989 film Steel Magnolias. Field remembered her former co-star as a remarkably genuine woman whose humor, humanity and generous spirit were as memorable as her talent.
Then came the moment that really broke hearts.
Reba McEntire walked onto the stage in a sparkling white gown and performed Parton's moving 1983 ballad "Appalachian Memories." The country superstar struggled to contain her emotions as she honored her longtime friend, ending the performance with the deeply personal words, "I love you, Dolly. So much."
Listeners can hear Dolly Parton's original recording of "Appalachian Memories" on YouTube.
The tribute arrived less than a month after Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. Reba and Dolly shared a friendship extending across decades and eventually recorded a duet version of Reba's "Does He Love You" in 2021.
Although Dolly will always be remembered first as the voice behind classics such as "Jolene," "9 to 5" and "I Will Always Love You," her impact on television was enormous. She starred in variety shows and television specials, appeared in programs including Hannah Montana, and co-founded Sandollar Productions, the company behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Dolly also received five Emmy nominations and won Outstanding Television Movie in 2021 as an executive producer of Netflix's Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square.
Her influence stretched far beyond entertainment. Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, hundreds of millions of books have been given to children around the world. Yet during the Emmys, it was not the statistics or awards that carried the greatest weight. It was Sally Field remembering her cherished co-star and Reba McEntire singing her friend's song-and letting the world know just how deeply Dolly Parton will be missed.
