Sally Field and Reba McEntire helped celebrate the life and career of Dolly Parton during an emotional tribute at the 78th Emmy Awards Monday night.
Parton, who died August 25 at the age of 80, was remembered during the September 14 ceremony with a tribute that brought together two women with personal connections to the country music legend.
Field, who starred alongside Parton in the beloved 1989 film Steel Magnolias, took the stage to share memories of her friend and former costar.
“If there are truly angels on Earth, then we just lost one,” Field said.
Field remembered falling in love with Parton’s personality while making Steel Magnolias, describing her as genuine, humble, supportive and incredibly funny. She also reflected on Parton’s impact outside of entertainment and the generosity that became such an important part of her legacy.
“I couldn’t see then what a real giant Dolly was, not just as an artist, but as a human,” Field said.
She closed her remembrance with a personal goodbye.
“God bless you, Dolly Parton, my friend. I am not the only person on Earth that will love you forever and ever.”
The tribute then turned to another of Parton’s longtime friends, Reba McEntire.
McEntire performed “Appalachian Memories,” a song written and recorded by Parton for her 1983 album Burlap & Satin.
Before the performance, archival footage showed Parton talking about growing up in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains and the inspiration behind the deeply personal song.
With images of Parton and Appalachia appearing behind her, McEntire delivered the song before ending the performance with a simple message to her friend.
“I love you, Dolly. So much.”
McEntire and Parton shared a friendship that stretched across decades. In 2021, the two finally recorded together when Parton joined McEntire for a new version of Reba’s 1993 hit “Does He Love You.”
Parton also had her own history with the Emmy Awards. She earned her first Primetime Emmy in 2021 as an executive producer of the Netflix holiday film Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, which won Outstanding Television Movie.
Monday night’s tribute brought together Hollywood and country music to remember one of entertainment’s most recognizable and beloved figures.
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