Noah Kahan brought the Peacock Theater to a standstill during the 2026 Emmys“In Memoriam”segment. The“Stick Season”singer performed Simon&Garfunkel’s“Bridge Over Troubled Water”with a stripped-back arrangement, and the audience of TV’s biggest names didn’t stand a chance. The tribute honored Rob Reiner, Sam Neill, Tim Curry, James Van Der Beek, Catherine O’Hara, and more industry legends lost over the past year.
Catherine O’Hara’s tribute came from her on-screen family. Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy, and Dan Levy shared memories of the Schitt’s Creek and Beetlejuice star, who died January 30 of a pulmonary embolism. Culkin remembered her as“the forgetful mother”before adding,“we’ll never forget about her.”Jamie Lee Curtis also delivered an emotional salute to Rob Reiner, calling him“generous and kind and funny as hell and a friend to all.”Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in December 2025, and their son Nick faces first-degree murder charges with a pre-trial hearing set for September 15.
The night also included a separate tribute to Dolly Parton from Sally Field and Reba McEntire after the country legend’s private cancer battle. Between the losses and the performances, the Emmys delivered one of the most emotional broadcasts in years. Which tribute hit you the hardest?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.