Dolly Parton and Rob Reiner received emotional tributes at the 2026 Emmy Awards, honoring their legacies following their deaths.
Sally Field delivered a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton during the 78th Emmy Awards, reflecting on their shared history in the 1989 film Steel Magnolias. If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one, Dolly Parton,
Field said, describing her as genuine, and humble, supportive and blisteringly funny with a bawdy sense of humor that would send any rude guy looking for a place to hide.
Parton, who died at 80 on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer,
with her representatives noting the brief duration of her illness. Field’s remarks underscored Parton’s humanitarian work, calling her a humanitarian who’s contributions had made a profound difference in the lives of so many in her home state of Tennessee, and across our country.
Foxnews reported the tribute, which was part of the ceremony’s “In Memoriam” segment.
Sally Field’s Emotional Tribute to Dolly Parton
Field’s speech highlighted Parton’s impact beyond entertainment, emphasizing her “giant” legacy as both an artist and a human. I couldn’t see then what a real giant Dolly was,
she admitted, reflecting on their decades-long connection. The tribute included a performance of Parton’s 1983 song Appalachian Memories by Reba McEntire, who later shared on Instagram, I will always love and miss you, Dolly.
What an honor to celebrate @DollyParton tonight.
Parton’s death followed the passing of her husband, Carl Dean, in 2025. Foxnews also cited her peaceful passing at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, surrounded by loved ones.
The Role of Reba McEntire in Honoring Dolly Parton
The song, written by Parton, encapsulated her roots in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, a theme McEntire echoed in her Instagram post.
The focus remained on her legacy, with McEntire’s performance serving as a bridge between Parton’s music and her humanitarian work.
Rob Reiner’s Posthumous Recognition at the Emmys
Rob Reiner, who died in December 2025, was also honored at the 2026 Emmys. Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to the director, calling him generous and kind and funny as hell and a friend to all.
Reiner’s posthumous Emmy for his guest role in The Bear broke a record set by his father, Carl Reiner, who held the longest gap between acting Emmys at 37 years. Today.com detailed the ceremony’s “In Memoriam” segment, which also featured tributes to Catherine O’Hara and other industry figures.
Reiner’s legacy extended beyond film, with his work on All in the Family and The Princess Bride cementing his status as a cultural icon. Deadline noted Kahan’s explanation that the song represented so much hope and peace,
aligning with Reiner’s and Parton’s legacies.
The 2026 Emmys thus served as a dual celebration of Parton and Reiner’s contributions, with tributes emphasizing their humanitarian efforts and creative legacies. While the ceremony highlighted their artistic achievements, it also underscored their personal impacts, as described by colleagues and peers. For Parton, the tribute affirmed her status as a “humanitarian” and “giant,” while Reiner’s recognition honored his role as a “friend to all.” Today.com listed other honorees, including Catherine O’Hara and James Van Der Beek, but the focus remained on Parton and Reiner’s enduring influence.