Dolly Parton died at 80. Will the iconic music star get a special tribute at the Emmys? Here is what we know

Award ceremonies often become moments to celebrate not only the year’s biggest achievements but also the artists whose work has shaped generations. The 2026 Emmy Awards will carry an especially emotional note as the entertainment world continues to mourn a country music legend. Reba McEntire is set to honour Dolly Parton during the ceremony, bringing together two celebrated voices whose careers and friendship have been intertwined for years. Here is everything we know about the planned tribute and the stars taking the stage.

Reba McEntire to honour Dolly Parton at the Emmys

Reba McEntire has been reportedly roped to perform a special tribute to the late Dolly Parton during the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday night, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The Grammy winner is expected to perform a song by Parton, who died last month at the age of 80 following what her team described as a brief battle with cancer. Her death has left the music and entertainment world mourning the loss of one of its most beloved icons.

The upcoming performance carries particular significance because McEntire and Parton were longtime friends as well as fellow country music stars. Their careers crossed repeatedly over the years, including through collaborations and appearances celebrating women in country music.

Who is Reba McEntire?

Reba McEntire is an American country music singer and actress and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. She has won multiple Grammy Awards during a career spanning music, television and theatre. Beyond country music, McEntire became widely known for her hit self-titled sitcom Reba, which ran for six seasons. She has also appeared as a coach on The Voice and performed on Broadway in Annie Get Your Gun.

Her acting credits also include various television films, making her a fitting choice for a major television awards ceremony paying tribute to another entertainment icon.

Dolly Parton’s death at 80

Dolly Parton was born in Tennessee to Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Parton and was one of their 12 children. Her siblings included Willadeene, David, Coy, Bobby, Stella, Cassie, Randy, Larry, twins Freida and Floyd, and Rachel.

Parton died at 80 following what her team described as a brief battle with cancer. Her death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver. The news marked the end of a remarkable career that stretched across several decades and made Parton one of country music’s biggest names.

Catherine O’Hara will also receive an Emmy tribute

The Emmy telecast will also feature a tribute to actor Catherine O’Hara. The segment will include appearances from her Home Alone co-star Macaulay Culkin as well as Schitt’s Creek stars Dan Levy and Annie Murphy. The tribute will add another emotional moment to a ceremony already set to honour the legacy of two major entertainment figures.

The Pitt leads the 2026 Emmy nominations

Heading into the ceremony, HBO Max’s The Pitt leads the Emmy nominees with 25 nominations. It is followed by HBO Max’s Hacks with 24 nominations, Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay with 19, Apple TV+’s Pluribus with 18, Netflix’s Beef with 16 and HBO Max’s DTF St. Louis with 13 nominations. NBC’s Saturday Night Live and Amazon Prime Video’s Spider-Noir each have 11 nominations.

When and where to watch the 2026 Emmys

The 78th Emmy Awards will air live from the Peacock Theater on Monday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. The ceremony, hosted by the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star, will bring together television’s biggest names, while McEntire’s tribute is expected to give viewers a chance to remember Parton and the extraordinary mark she left on country music.