The Emmy Awards honored the late Dolly Parton with a poignant tribute featuring a musical performance by Reba McEntire and introductions by actress Sally Field. McEntire performed an orchestral arrangement of “Appalachian Memories,” a 1983 track originally written and recorded by Parton for her album “Burlap & Satin.” The song had also been performed by Parton during the 1983 Emmy ceremony, and a clip from that broadcast aired before McEntire took the stage.
Field, who shared the screen with Parton in the 1989 film “Steel Magnolias,” led the eulogy. She is currently attending the Emmys as a nominee for lead actress in a limited series or movie for her role in Netflix’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Field spoke warmly about her decades-long friendship with the singer.
“Over the years, I never stopped loving her though we lived very far apart,” Field said. “I adored her from day one. How could you not?” She described Parton as genuine, humble, and hilariously sharp-tongued, noting that her bluntness could deflate any rude person instantly. Field emphasized Parton’s immense humanitarian impact, particularly in Tennessee and across the United States, before concluding, “God bless you Dolly Parton, my friend. I am not the only one on Earth that will love you forever and ever.}”
During the pre-taped clip, Parton reflected on the origins of “Appalachian Memories,” mentioning her upbringing in the Smoky Mountains. She playfully cautioned viewers, saying, “This song, like I say, is very important to me. And I hope you don’t like it. If you don’t like it, if you don’t mind, I would rather not hear about it later.”
Parton passed away in Nashville on August 25 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her sister, Stella Parton, recently revealed that the star concealed her diagnosis from fans and many family members to protect their final memories of her. “Dolly did not want anybody to tell that because Dolly could not bear negative things,” Stella told “CBS Mornings.” “She would not have wanted her fans worried about it… She didn’t want a lot of the family worried about it.”
In the weeks leading up to her death, Parton had publicly alluded to health issues. She appeared in a video promoting a new roller coaster at her Dollywood theme park a week before she died, having canceled an in-person appearance due to dizziness and dehydration. She had also canceled her Las Vegas residency the previous year due to health challenges, later canceling the rescheduled dates as well.
A decorated figure in entertainment, Parton was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and released her final album, “Rockstar,” in 2023. Her accolades also include inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside honors such as the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. She won 11 Grammys and starred in hits like “9 to 5,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and “Steel Magnolias.” Her songs “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” remain among her most famous works.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Parton founded The Imagination Library in 1995, a charity that provides free books to children under five. Last year, the organization reported that it had distributed more than 300 million books since its inception.
It feels odd celebrating a legacy so soon after her passing. Didn’t we just mourn her last month? Maybe they waited too long.
Thirty million books distributed? The Imagination Library is her real masterpiece. She changed so many childhoods through literacy.
Did anyone else notice how much Reba’s voice shook during Appalachian Memories? You could feel the genuine heartbreak in the room.
I’m still in shock that Dolly is gone. That tribute with Reba and Sally was beautiful, but I can’t stop crying.