Dolly Parton was remembered during the 2026 Emmy Awards with a tribute from Sally Field, followed by a performance of “Appalachian Memories” by Reba McEntire.
Field spoke warmly about her longtime friend, calling her “genuine and humble, supportive, and blisteringly funny, with a bawdy sense of humor that would send any rude guy looking for a place to hide.” She also noted Parton’s humanitarian work, saying her contributions “have made a profound difference in the lives of so many in her home state and across our country.”
Field’s Tribute
Field’s remarks opened the tribute segment. She said she admired Parton from the start. “How could you not?” she asked. “She was genuine. Humble, supportive. Blisteringly funny, with a bawdy sense of humor that would send any rude guy looking for a place to hide.”
The Emmy tribute comes as part of a wave of remembrance since Parton’s death on August 25th at the age of 80.
McEntire’s Performance
McEntire took the stage to perform “Appalachian Memories,” a song associated with Parton. The cover was described as a fitting tribute to the late pop culture legend.
The Aftermath
Since Parton’s passing, several tributes have emerged. Artists including Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Vin Diesel have released musical tributes. Plans to rename the Nashville airport in her honor have also moved forward.
| Event | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Dolly Parton’s Death | August 25th | Announced |
| Emmy Tribute | — | Speech + Performance |
| Tribute Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Tribute Opener | Sally Field’s remarks |
| Tribute Closer | Reba McEntire performing “Appalachian Memories” |
The tribute at the Emmy Awards was a fitting end to a week of remembering Parton, whose work touched generations of fans across music, film, and television. Her legacy continues through the artists who honored her memory, and the Nashville airport renaming plan stands as another mark of respect for a performer who shaped American culture for decades.
See the video the story is built around at Consequence.
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