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Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton's Legacy
21 Oct
Summary
- McEntire felt Dolly Parton's presence during her 2026 Emmys tribute.
- Parton taught McEntire confidence, poise, and making others comfortable.
- McEntire reinvents herself due to a short attention span.

Reba McEntire, a celebrated figure in country music and entertainment, recently appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show to discuss the enduring legacy of Dolly Parton. McEntire spoke about how Parton, a fellow multi-talented artist, embodied confidence and poise, ensuring everyone felt at ease in her presence. McEntire recounted a particularly meaningful experience when she performed a tribute to Parton at the 2026 Emmys, singing "Appalachian Memories" and feeling Parton's spirit with her.
During the interview, McEntire also reflected on her own successful five-decade career. She attributed her longevity to a need for reinvention, humorously comparing her attention span to that of a two-year-old, constantly seeking new creative outlets. This drive led her to explore acting in television and film, and she expressed a love for Broadway, having previously starred in "Annie Get Your Gun."
Parton and McEntire shared a professional bond, notably collaborating on a remake of "Does He Love You" in 2021 and Parton's song "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" earlier in 2026. Dolly Parton passed away on August 25th at the age of 80, after a battle with cancer.