Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton at Emmys
Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton at Emmys
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Key Points
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Sally Field described Parton as “a real giant” and “an angel on Earth,” recalling her “blistering sense of humor” and saying, “If there are truly angels on Earth, we just lost one.”
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Parton won a Primetime Emmy for her performance in the 2021 Netflix film “Christmas on the Square” and received four additional Emmy nominations during her career.
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The archival footage included Parton’s playful 1983 introduction to the song: “If you don’t like it, if you don’t mind, I would rather not hear about it later.”
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“Appalachian Memories” appeared on Parton’s 1983 album “Burlap and Satin,” her 25th solo studio album, and was written and recorded by Parton herself about her father, family and the mountains where she grew up.
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McEntire and Parton first met at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977, the night McEntire made her debut there; McEntire has recalled that meeting her idol mattered more to her than performing an additional scheduled song.
Reba McEntire honored Dolly Parton at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards by performing "Appalachian Memories," Parton's 1983 ballad about family and mountain roots Music Times. Sally Field, who starred alongside Parton in Steel Magnolias, introduced the In Memoriam tribute and called her "a real giant" and "an angel on Earth." McEntire became visibly emotional during the performance at the Peacock Theater, closing with a personal message: "I love you, Dolly. So much."
A Friendship Spanning Nearly Five Decades
McEntire and Parton first met at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977, the night McEntire made her debut there Music Times. McEntire has recalled that meeting her idol mattered more than performing an additional scheduled song that evening. Their bond deepened over nearly 50 years of crossing paths in country music's biggest moments.
Sally Field's Heartfelt Tribute to Her Friend
Field remembered Parton's "blistering sense of humor" and generosity, saying Music Times: "If there are truly angels on Earth, we just lost one." Field and Parton had worked together on the beloved 1989 film Steel Magnolias. She painted a picture of a humble woman who touched everyone around her with warmth and laughter.
Why 'Appalachian Memories' Was the Perfect Song
"Appalachian Memories" appeared on Parton's 1983 album Burlap and Satin KWCD Country. Parton wrote and recorded the song about her father, family, and the mountains where she grew up. The ballad's themes of home and roots made it especially meaningful for honoring her legacy and Appalachian heritage.
The Emmy broadcast showed archival footage of Parton introducing the song at the 1983 Emmy Awards Music Times. In her playful 1983 introduction, Parton said: "If you don't like it, if you don't mind, I would rather not hear about it later." McEntire performed it with orchestral accompaniment in 2026.
Parton's Emmy Legacy and Lifetime Achievement
Parton won a Primetime Emmy in 2021 for her performance in the Netflix film "Christmas on the Square" Music Times. She received four additional Emmy nominations during her career, cementing her status as one of country music's most decorated artists. Her influence extended far beyond music into television, film, and philanthropy.
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