Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
LEGENDARY American singer, songwriter and actress Dolly Rebecca Parton has been honoured with an emotional tribute at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, weeks after her death at the age of 80.
Parton passed on August 25, 2026, following a private, but short battle with cancer.
The late inimitable music icon was remembered during Monday’s ceremony at the Peacock Theatre, where actress Sally Field and country music star Reba McEntire paid tribute to her remarkable life and career.
Field, who starred alongside Parton in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias, introduced the tribute, describing the late entertainer as an exceptional human being.
“If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one, Dolly Parton,” Field said.
Recalling their time working together, Field described Parton as genuine, humble, supportive and “blisteringly funny”.
She also praised Parton’s humanitarian work and her contribution to Tennessee and communities beyond the US state.
“God bless you, Dolly Parton, my friend. I am not the only one on Earth that will love you forever and ever,” Field said.
An archival clip of Parton from the 1983 Emmy Awards was subsequently shown. In the footage, she introduced and performed her song Appalachian Memories.
McEntire, a longtime friend of Parton, then delivered an orchestral rendition of the song in honour of the late star.
At the conclusion of the performance, McEntire addressed her late friend emotionally, saying: “I love you, Dolly. So much.”
Parton’s Emmy Legacy
Parton had a long association with television as a performer, producer and executive producer.
She received several Primetime Emmy nominations during her career and won the Outstanding Television Movie award in 2021 as an executive producer of Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square. The film also won an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming.
Her other Emmy nominations included Cher… Special in 1978, Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love in 2017, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings: These Old Bones in 2020 and Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas in 2023.
Beyond her television appearances, Parton co-founded Sandollar Productions with her longtime manager, Sandy Gallin. The production company was behind television series including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off, Angel.
Parton also starred in her own variety programme, Dolly, and made appearances on popular programmes including Hannah Montana.
The Emmy tribute highlighted Parton’s enduring influence across music, film and television, while also recognising the philanthropic legacy she left behind.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were hosted by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay.
