Watch Reba McEntire Honor Dolly Parton At Emmy Awards
The performance of “Appalachian Memories” followed a heartfelt introduction from Sally Field.
By Andy Kahn Sep 15, 2026 • 1:26 pm PDT
Photo by Trae Patton/NBC
Reba McEntire paid tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton at the 78th Emmy Awards, held last night at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. McEntire sang “Appalachian Memories” in honor of Parton, who died last month at age 80.
McEntire was introduced by actor Sally Field, who starred alongside Parton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias. A clip from the 1983 Emmy Awards was then shown of Parton introducing “Appalachian Memories,” a track from her 1983 album Burlap & Satin, which she also performed at that ceremony.
“I’m very, very proud of the fact that I had the kind of parents that I did and grew up in the Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains,” Parton said in the archival footage. “I’ve written a song that touches me very deep. I’m sure that in your own way, that you certainly will relate to this. This song like I say is very important to me and I hope you like it. And if you don’t like it, well if you don’t mind, I’d rather not hear about it later, OK?”
McEntire then appeared on stage for the tribute to Parton, her longtime friend and collaborator, both musically and as television actors. In addition to their joint musical endeavors together, Parton also appeared in a 2005 episode of McEntire’s Reba television series.
“Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” McEntire wrote in part in response to Parton’s death. “Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
Watch Reba McEntire’s poignant performance of “Appalachian Memories” at last night’s Emmys:
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