Sally Field and Reba McEntire Lead Emotional Dolly Parton Tribute at the 2026 Emmys
Sally Field opened one of the most moving moments of the 2026 Emmy Awards by honoring Dolly Parton, her longtime friend and Steel Magnolias co-star.
“If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one,” Field told the audience as she remembered the country music icon, who died on August 25 at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
A Farewell From a Longtime Friend
Field and Parton appeared together in the beloved 1989 film Steel Magnolias. Although the two women lived far apart for many years, Field said her affection for Parton never faded.
The actress remembered Parton not only as an extraordinary performer, but also as a genuine and deeply funny friend who consistently cared for others.
“Over the years, I never stopped loving her,” Field said. She ended her tribute with a heartfelt promise that she would love her late friend forever. Entertainment Weekly
Reba McEntire Performs “Appalachian Memories”
Following Field’s speech, Reba McEntire took the stage in a sparkling white gown to perform “Appalachian Memories,” a song Parton released in 1983.
Accompanied by piano and strings, McEntire delivered an emotional rendition that evoked the Appalachian roots that remained central to Parton’s life, identity and music.
As the performance came to an end, McEntire struggled to contain her emotions and offered a brief message to her late friend: “I love you, Dolly. So much.” People
The combination of Field’s intimate remembrance and McEntire’s performance turned the tribute into a deeply personal farewell from two women who knew Parton in different ways—one as a longtime friend and co-star, the other as a fellow country music legend.
Dolly Parton’s Enduring Television Legacy
In addition to her decades-long music career, Parton left a lasting mark on television.
She hosted the variety series Dolly, appeared as herself in numerous shows and specials, and contributed to a wide range of television projects throughout her career.
Parton received five Emmy nominations and won Outstanding Television Movie for Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, adding another major achievement to her remarkable artistic legacy.
The 2026 Emmy tribute did more than revisit those accomplishments. Through Field’s memories and McEntire’s voice, it celebrated the woman behind the icon—an entertainer remembered for her humor, generosity and ability to touch generations of people.
video below
Reba McEntire takes the stage to perform “Appalachian Memories” as a tribute to Dolly Parton at the #Emmys pic.twitter.com/uPEaBWdGP9
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 15, 2026
