Reba McEntire will reportedly pay tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday 14 September 2026, according to a report from Deadline.
The country music star is expected to honour Parton during the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, although details of the reported tribute have not yet been revealed.
Parton died last month aged 80 following what was described as a “brief battle” with cancer. Her death brought an end to the career of one of country music’s most influential artists, whose work extended across music, film and television.
McEntire and Parton were longtime friends and fellow country music stars. Their connection also extended to television, with Parton making a cameo appearance on an episode of McEntire’s sitcom Reba in 2005.
Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s long friendship
The reported Emmy tribute would bring together two artists with deep connections to country music and American entertainment.
Parton was a major influence on generations of country singers, while McEntire built her own successful career across recording, touring, television and film.
Their friendship was also reflected on screen when Parton appeared in Reba, the sitcom starring McEntire that originally ran from 2001 to 2007.
Parton’s death at 80 has prompted tributes across the entertainment industry, with the Emmy Awards now reportedly preparing to honour her during one of television’s biggest annual ceremonies.
2026 Emmys to feature Dolly Parton tribute
The reported McEntire performance would come during an Emmy ceremony that already has several major anniversary celebrations planned.
The Television Academy has previously announced that Noah Kahan will perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the In Memoriam segment.
