Summary
- The event will feature a special tribute to Parton, marking one of the first major televised tributes to the beloved singer since her death was announced on August 25, 2026.
- McEntire, who shared a close friendship with Parton and has long been regarded as one of her most prominent peers in country music, will lead the special tribute.
- The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, bringing together major stars from across the entertainment industry.
AI Generated Summary
Reba McEntire is set to deliver an emotional tribute to late country music icon Dolly Parton at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, weeks after the legendary singer died following a brief battle with cancer.
The highly anticipated ceremony will take place Monday night at the Peacock Theater, bringing together some of the biggest names from television and entertainment. The event will feature a special tribute to Parton, marking one of the first major televised tributes to the beloved singer since her death was announced on August 25, 2026.
McEntire, who shared a close friendship with Parton and has long been regarded as one of her most prominent peers in country music, will lead the special tribute. Their connection extended beyond their careers, with the two stars sharing decades of mutual admiration and friendship.
The tribute is expected to be one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony. Parton was widely celebrated not only for her contribution to country music but also for her influence across television, film and popular culture. Her career spanned generations, making her one of the most recognisable entertainers in the world.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, bringing together major stars from across the entertainment industry. Alongside the tribute to Parton, the ceremony will feature several major reunions and performances.
One of the highlights will be a 50th anniversary reunion of Charlie’s Angels, bringing together original stars Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd. Fans will also be treated to a 30th anniversary reunion celebrating Buffy the Vampire Slayer, featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz.
The ceremony’s In Memoriam segment will honour stars from the entertainment industry who have died over the past year. Singer Noah Kahan is scheduled to perform Bridge Over Troubled Water during the emotional segment.
Additional presenters have also been announced for the ceremony, which will be hosted by Mariska Hargitay. The latest additions include Stephen Amell, Noah Beck, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone and Brooks Nader, who are associated with Fox’s upcoming Baywatch reboot.
Other notable presenters include LL Cool J and Scott Caan from CBS’ upcoming NCIS: New York spinoff. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson will also take the stage following their work on Apple TV’s comedy series Brothers. Julia Garner is another addition to the presenter lineup, representing Netflix’s limited series The Altruists.
Parton’s death at the age of 80 shocked fans around the world. Her representatives confirmed that she had died after a brief battle with cancer, although the specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
Even after her passing, tributes to Parton continue to highlight the enormous impact she had on music and entertainment. Her legacy is also being recognised in her home state, with Nashville International Airport reportedly moving closer to being renamed in her honour.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously to begin the process of incorporating Parton’s name into the airport’s official identity. Officials said a final name has not yet been decided, but discussions are underway to determine how her name and legacy can be respectfully represented.
As McEntire prepares to honour her longtime friend at the Emmys, the tribute is expected to serve as a heartfelt celebration of Parton’s extraordinary life, career and lasting influence on generations of fans.
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