Ahead of Monday's 78th Emmy Awards, Variety has revealed two new highlights: New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson will reportedly appear in a pre-taped segment at the very start of the show, while Reba McEntire will perform a Dolly Parton song as a tribute to the late country icon. Brunson's involvement stems from host Mariska Hargitay's well-documented friendship with the basketball player and her fandom of the Knicks, fuelling speculation for weeks about a possible team tie-in during her hosting debut.

According to Variety's reporting, Brunson's pre-taped appearance will lead directly into a live performance with dancers before Hargitay's opening monologue, while Sally Field is expected to introduce McEntire's Parton tribute, drawing on her own history starring alongside Parton in 1989's "Steel Magnolias". These additions join previously confirmed segments including a "Charlie's Angels" 50th anniversary reunion, a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" 30th anniversary tribute, Noah Kahan performing during the In Memoriam segment, and Julianna Margulies presenting the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award to Michael J. Fox. A lengthy roster of presenters has also been announced, including Zendaya, Amy Poehler, Jon Hamm, Florence Pugh, John Mulaney and Sofía Vergara, alongside Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson appearing together to promote their Apple TV series "Brothers".