Sally Field and Reba McEntire led an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 Emmy Awards, weeks after the country music legend's death.
Field, who starred alongside Parton in the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias," introduced the segment, recalling her time working with the icon. "Over the years, I never stopped loving her," Field said, praising Parton's "blistering sense of humor" and admitting she didn't fully grasp Parton's stature at the time.
Field concluded her introduction by saying, "God bless you, Dolly Parton, my friend. I am not the only one on earth who will love you forever." A video montage of Parton introducing her song "Appalachian Memories" then played.
Following the video, McEntire took the stage in a sparkling white dress to perform "Appalachian Memories" with a live symphony orchestra. Photos of Parton were projected onto the stage during the performance.
Producers had teased a special tribute to Parton in the days leading up to the ceremony, with executive producer Jesse Collins stating it would be "a very beautiful tribute to Dolly."
Country singer Noah Kahan was also slated to perform "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" during the In Memoriam segment.
Parton, who won a Primetime Emmy in 2021 for her role in the Netflix film "Christmas on the Square" and received four additional nominations, died on August 25 at age 80. Her death followed a private battle with cancer.
Her private funeral was held in Nashville, where she was laid to rest next to her late husband, Carl Thomas Dean, who died in March 2025 at age 82. Parton's cousin, Richie Owens, shared that the memorial was intentionally kept small and private, as per Parton's wishes.
Parton's sister, Stella Parton, revealed that Parton's last request was for a prayer. Stella also noted that Dolly had kept her illness private from many, wanting to shield loved ones from worry.
Dolly Parton had a prolific career not only in music but also in television and film. She made guest appearances on shows such as "Designing Women," "Hannah Montana," and "The Simpsons," and co-hosted "Miley's New Year's Eve Party" with her goddaughter Miley Cyrus in 2022.