Reba McEntire delivered a heartfelt tribute to her close friend Dolly Parton during the event CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton on October 21 in Nashville, reminiscing about nearly 50 years of their friendship and celebrating Parton’s immense impact on country music and beyond.
Taking the stage first at the Nashville event, McEntire not only honored Parton’s iconic career but also illuminated her personal attributes that have endeared her to fans and peers alike.
“Tonight is a celebration of Dolly’s heart, her kindness, her generosity, her faith, her humor, and the way she has always seemed to understand that the greatest thing you can be in this world is exactly who God made you to be,” McEntire said.
Read More: Watch Reba McEntire Perform ‘He’s Alive’ at Dolly Parton Tribute
Memorable First Encounter
The bond between McEntire and Parton began on September 17, 1977, the night of McEntire’s Grand Ole Opry debut. Although she was scheduled to perform two songs, her set was shortened when Parton arrived. Overwhelmed with excitement, McEntire recalled that moment, stating, “When she walked past me backstage, I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh, she looks just like an angel.’”
As their friendship blossomed over the years, McEntire recognized the authenticity of Parton, both onstage and off. When Parton made a special guest appearance on McEntire’s sitcom Reba in 2005, she embodied a fierce character, yet instantly transformed into a warm and welcoming presence once the cameras stopped rolling, even giving Valentine candy hearts to the crew.
“She didn’t have a fake bone in her body,” McEntire remarked, her emotion evident as she reflected on the essence of her friend.
Parton’s Unforgettable Journey
McEntire also highlighted Parton’s incredible journey from humble beginnings in a one-room mountain cabin to becoming a global icon while never forgetting her roots. “She reached the very top, but on that journey… she never forgot the people still climbing. And she never forgot where she came from,” McEntire stated.
In addition to the tribute speeches, McEntire honored Parton musically by performing “He’s Alive,” a song that Parton had previously recorded for her 1989 album White Limozeen.
Read More: Brad Paisley’s ‘When I Get Where I’m Going’ Tribute to Dolly Parton Was Emotional [Watch]
Dolly Parton Tribute Concert: All the Performers
Featuring artists from Carrie Underwood to Vince Gill, the tribute showcased a rich tapestry of talent across generations in country music.
Gallery Credit: Donny Meacham