The article reports that Reba McEntire spoke to Entertainment Tonight about missing a call from Dolly Parton before Parton’s reported death on 25 August. McEntire said their busy schedules had made it difficult to connect, and she had treasured their last conversation. She became emotional describing how she would never know why Parton had called again, highlighting the personal significance of that missed connection.

McEntire said the unanswered call came in late July while she was in a meeting, and her attempts to return it never resulted in another conversation. The article describes her subsequent Instagram tribute, in which she thanked Parton for her music and generosity and said she would cherish their memories. It also states that McEntire performed Parton’s “Appalachian Memories” at the 2026 Emmy Awards, wearing rhinestone earrings and a butterfly ring loaned by Parton’s estate; she told Vogue it was an honour to have something of her friend on stage.