Emmys honor late country icon Dolly Parton with tribute by Sally Field and Reba McEntire

The short version

• Actress Sally Field and country singer Reba McEntire honored Dolly Parton during the Primetime Emmys following her death at age 80.[The Hollywood Reporter · Billboard · Variety]
• Field introduced the tribute with a speech remembering their friendship, followed by McEntire performing Parton's 1983 track 'Appalachian Memories'.[Billboard]
• Parton died on August 25 in Nashville after a battle with cancer.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]

Key facts

• Sally Field presented a tribute segment honoring Dolly Parton at the Primetime Emmys on September 14.[Billboard]
• Reba McEntire performed Dolly Parton's 1983 song 'Appalachian Memories' live during the memorial segment.[The Hollywood Reporter · Billboard]
• Dolly Parton died in Nashville on August 25 at age 80 after a battle with cancer.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Parton's sister Stella revealed that Parton concealed her cancer diagnosis from fans and some family members.[Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Dolly Parton Remembered by Reba McEntire & Sally Field on 2026 Emmys: ‘I Never Stopped Loving Her’Billboard
• Dolly Parton Gets Emotional Emmys Tribute as Reba Sings ‘Appalachian Memories’ and Sally Field Declares: ‘God Bless You, My Friend’Variety metered
• Emmys: Dolly Parton Tribute Features Moving Cover by Reba McEntire and a Nod to the Late Icon’s “Bawdy” Sense of HumorThe Hollywood Reporter metered