Reba McEntire and Sally Field Remember Dolly Parton at Emmys
There will undoubtedly be many tributes to Dolly Parton across the entertainment landscape—from the Grammys and the Oscars to the CMA Awards. But the Primetime Emmys, airing on Monday, September 14th, served as one of the first major acknowledgments, just three weeks after Parton passed away from cancer at the age of 80.
The segment, which honored her remarkable life and career, was anchored by a moving tribute presented by Sally Field, who co-starred with Parton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias. Field’s remembrance featured a special performance by Parton’s longtime friend, Reba McEntire, bringing warmth and heartfelt emotion to the occasion.
Field reflected on her enduring admiration for Parton. She spoke about Parton’s character, describing her as genuine, humble, supportive, and possessing a bawdy sense of humor that made her a beloved figure. “If there are truly angels on Earth, then we just lost one, Dolly Parton,” Field said. She emphasized that Parton was not just an artist but a profound humanitarian whose contributions made a difference across the country and in her home state of Tennessee.
The tribute also highlighted Parton’s deep roots in her heritage. She shared a personal connection to the Smoky and Appalachian Mountains, and the performance brought to light a song that holds deep personal meaning. Parton shared her affection for the song “Appalachian Memories,” which she included on her 1983 album Burlap & Satin. While the song may not have been a massive hit on the charts, it underscored the depth of Parton’s artistic catalog.
McEntire’s performance live added another layer of warmth to the segment, with her expressing her deep affection for Parton.
Beyond her music, Dolly Parton’s career was marked by significant achievements. She received her first Primetime Emmy nod 48 years ago as a guest on Cher’s Cher … Special. Over the years, she earned multiple nominations, including those for executive producing specials such as Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square. Her work on projects like Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: These Old Bones, and Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas showcased her enduring influence in television.
The tribute segment also included a heartfelt moment with a musical addition, featuring a performance by Noah Kahan during the annual In Memoriam segment. The event served as a beautiful reminder of Dolly Parton’s legacy, celebrating not only her music but the extraordinary human spirit she shared with the world.
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