The Primetime Emmys gave Dolly Parton the send-off she deserved Monday night, just three weeks after her death from cancer at 80. Sally Field, herSteel Magnoliasco-star, presented the tribute with a speech that left the room silent. She called Dolly an angel on Earth and closed with three simple words:“I love you, Dolly.”
Then Reba McEntire took the stage for a live performance of“Appalachian Memories.”She skipped the massive hits and went straight for a deep cut, a choice that felt less like a performance and more like a private moment shared with millions of people watching. The tribute aired right before the In Memoriam segment, setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Dolly’s Emmy history is wild when you lay it out: her first nomination came 48 years ago for
Cher…Special
, and she finally took home a win in 2021 forDolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
. Five decades of showing up for television, and the industry only got one shot to honor her at an awards show. They nailed it. What was your favorite Dolly moment from the tribute?About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.