The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles became a stage for an emotional tribute to the late Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer. The beloved "Jolene" songstress was remembered by her A-list friends and colleagues, leaving many viewers moved to tears.
Actress Sally Field, who starred alongside Parton in the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias," took to the stage to share her profound admiration for the entertainer. "If there are truly angels on Earth, then we just lost one, Dolly Parton," Field stated, reflecting on their shared experience. "It was my great, good fortune to have worked with Dolly in a film called Steel Magnolias. And over the years, I never stopped loving her, though we lived very far apart. I adored her from day one. How could you not?"
Field described Parton as "genuine and humble, supportive and blisteringly funny with a bawdy sense of humor." She further emphasized Parton's impact as "a humanitarian whose contributions have made a profound difference in the lives of so many in her home state of Tennessee and across our country." Field concluded her tribute by saying, "God bless you, Dolly Parton, my friend. I am not the only one on Earth that will love you forever and ever."
Following Field's heartfelt words, Reba McEntire performed Parton's 1983 song "Appalachian Memories." McEntire later shared her reflections on Instagram, writing, "I will always love and miss you, Dolly. What an honor to celebrate @DollyParton tonight."
Backstage, Field spoke about the challenge of composing herself during the tribute, admitting, "You know, as an actor, you spend a whole lot of time - especially me - trying to make yourself cry. And I was trying to make myself not cry." She reiterated the deep bond she felt with Parton, despite the geographical distance that often kept them apart.
Fans expressed their emotions on social media platform X, with many sharing how the tribute deeply affected them. Comments included, "The Emmys Dolly Parton section..my heart can't take it I can't believe she's actually gone :((," and "Did that #Emmys tribute to Dolly make me cry? Yes. Yes it did."
Parton's image also appeared during the main In Memoriam segment of the awards ceremony. Noah Kahan performed "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as tributes were paid to other departed figures, including Catherine O'Hara, Hayden Panettiere, and Rob Reiner.
Parton's death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, via an Instagram video. Representatives stated she passed away following a "brief battle with cancer" at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones. "Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched," the statement read.
In other Emmy news, the Apple TV+ horror-comedy series "Widow's Bay" emerged as the night's biggest winner, sweeping multiple categories. Matthew Rhys made history by becoming the first actor to win two leading acting awards in the same night, securing honors for his roles in "Widow's Bay" and "The Beast in Me." The HBO Max series "The Pitt" also performed strongly, taking home Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for Noah Wyle.