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Reba McEntire remembering the day Dolly Parton she died, revealing a very personal experience that stayed with her long after the moment had passed.
The country music star described feeling close to her longtime friend that day, giving us a glimpse of a connection that stretched far beyond their shared place in country music.
Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton shared a bond that transcended their status as country music icons, with McEntire often speaking warmly of the woman she considered a good friend.
Reba McEntire looked back on the humor and warmth that defined Dolly Parton
McEntire remembers the little things that made her friendship with Parton so special, from the country legend’s effortless humor to the way she greeted people.
Their decades-long relationship began in 1977, when McEntire was preparing to make her Grand Ole Opry debut, and continued as both women built remarkable careers in country music.
McEntire recalled how much she admired Parton’s confidence and the ease with which she connected with people. “I loved the way Dolly carried herself with confidence and emotion,” McEntire said.
“She could crack a joke in a heartbeat, and she would make sure everyone felt comfortable in her presence. Her words gave us a glimpse of the personality behind Parton’s larger-than-life public image, revealing the warmth and quick confidence McEntire enjoyed throughout their friendship.”
Their bond also went beyond music when Parton starred on McEntire’s sitcom, “Reba,” in 2005. Recalling that experience, McEntire pointed out another trait that made her friend stand out.
“When she came out to California and the show” Reba TV “with me for a week, she treated everyone equally,” said the singer. For McEntire, Parton’s ability to make people feel valued was part of what made their friendship so lasting.
McEntire On The Day Parton Died: ‘I Felt It The Whole Day With Me’
McEntire’s memories of Parton took an emotional turn as she recalled the day her longtime friend died. Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 after a short battle with cancer that she had kept private. McEntire was working on her sitcom, “Happy’s Place,” when people around her began to sympathize.
During an appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” on October 21, McEntire explained that she did not want those around her to see Parton’s death as just a moment of sadness.
“The day she passed, we were working on Happy’s Place,” she said. “And everyone was like, ‘Reba, we’re so sorry.’ I said, ‘Don’t say you’re sorry, this guy is going. She knows where she is going. It’s a big show.”
Her response reflected her belief that Parton’s death should also be viewed through the lens of faith and the journey she believed awaited her friend. As McEntire has said it was a celebration, she admitted that the day had a personal feeling that she could not ignore. “But I felt it all day with me,” she said.
The emotional memorial gave us a glimpse of how strong their bond was and how much Parton seemed to be a part of McEntire’s life. McEntire also sang Parton’s song “Appalachian Memories” at the 2026 Emmy Awards, where she also paid tribute to her friend and said it was her way of sending her off.
Reba McEntire still wonders why Dolly Parton was called before she died
McEntire has one lingering question about Parton’s final days. At the end of July, Parton called while McEntire was in a meeting. McEntire tried to return the call, but the longtime friends did not reconnect before Parton’s death on August 25.
The missed call became especially meaningful because McEntire had spoken to Parton shortly beforehand and understood how difficult their busy schedules might make it to connect.
“I didn’t want to hold her,” McEntire recalled, acknowledging that she knew her friend had a lot going on. At the same time, she admitted how much she appreciated their conversations, saying, “I didn’t want to let him go.”
The Blast noted that McEntire learned of Parton’s death from her friend Lisa Davis on the morning of August 25. She was left wondering what Parton was trying to tell her. “I’ll never know why she called me,” McEntire said. “So, I’ll find out one day.”
The 80th Birthday Tribute featured bonds built over four decades
Beyond the missed call, McEntire’s memories of Dolly Parton reveal a friendship full of love and years of shared moments. In January, McEntire celebrated Parton’s 80th birthday by sharing photos of the couple and looking forward to more memories together.
“Happy 80th birthday to the one and only, @DollyParton! I love you to pieces, and I’m so grateful for the years of memories we’ve shared,” McEntire wrote on Instagram. She said she couldn’t wait to make many more memories with her longtime friend.
As reported by The Blast, the post marked a bond that spanned more than four decades. The tribute now carries an additional poignancy, reminding of the years of friendship that McEntire continues.
Reba McEntire defends Dolly Parton as AI-generated health rumors spread
In October 2025, AI pictures of the likeness of Parton and McEntire began to be shared online, and McEntire showed her strong support against such misinformation. One photo showed Parton very ill, and the other showed McEntire pregnant when she really wasn’t, prompting the singer to joke about the rumours.
“You’re out there dying, I’m out here having a baby,” McEntire joked in a video posted to Instagram, dismissing the made-up scenes as just a bunch of “nonsense.” She also sent Parton a message reassuring her love and prayers, saying, “Too young to die, too old to have babies. I love you @DollyParton! I’ll see you soon.”
The Blast reported that Parton had also pushed back against the false claims, assuring fans that she was not dying and that she intended to continue working. McEntire’s defense offered another example of the loyalty that defined their friendship, prompting her to reflect later on their final conversation more poignantly.
Will Reba McEntire find out what Dolly Parton wanted to tell her in their last phone call?
