Reba McEntire is reportedly preparing a tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
Country music star Reba McEntire is reportedly set to pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton during the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
According to Deadline, McEntire will honour Parton during the ceremony, although details of the planned tribute have not yet been disclosed.
Parton, the legendary singer behind hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, reportedly died aged 80 last month following a brief battle with cancer.
Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s longstanding friendship
Parton and McEntire shared a longstanding friendship that extended beyond their careers in country music. Parton also made a cameo appearance on McEntire’s popular sitcom Reba in 2005, further highlighting their professional and personal connection.
McEntire’s reported tribute is expected to provide a poignant moment during the ceremony as the entertainment industry remembers Parton’s career and influence.
The Television Academy has previously confirmed that the Emmys’ In Memoriam segment will feature singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, who is scheduled to perform Bridge Over Troubled Water.
2026 Emmys to celebrate major television anniversaries
The 2026 Emmy Awards will also recognise several major anniversaries in television history.
The ceremony will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with David Boreanaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar expected to participate.
The 50th anniversary of Charlie’s Angels will also be recognised, with Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith joining the celebrations.
Mariska Hargitay will host the ceremony, while presenters are expected to include Stephen Amell, Awkwafina, Scott Caan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Julia Garner, Woody Harrelson, Paul Anthony Kelly, Matthew McConaughey, John Mulaney, Brooks Nader, Emmy Rossum, Sofía Vergara and Shailene Woodley, among others.
Actor and activist Michael J. Fox will also receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his contributions and humanitarian work.
2026 Emmy nominations
The nominees for Outstanding Comedy Series are Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, Shrinking and Widow’s Bay.
The nominees for Outstanding Drama Series include The Diplomat, The Gilded Age, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Paradise, The Pitt, Pluribus, Slow Horses and Your Friends & Neighbors.
McEntire’s reported tribute to Parton is expected to be among the most emotional moments of the ceremony, giving the country music community and television industry an opportunity to celebrate the life, career and lasting legacy of one of music’s most influential performers.