Reba McEntire paid tribute to her longtime friend Dolly Parton with a heartfelt performance during a special concert celebrating the late country music legend on Wednesday, October 21.
The event took place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, bringing together some of the biggest names in music to remember Parton, who died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80, following a brief battle with cancer.
Parton was laid to rest in a private family service, but her life and legacy have continued to be celebrated through public tributes. The Television Academy honored her at the Emmy Awards, while the Gospel Music Association remembered her at the GMA Dove Awards. Fellow artists have also paid their respects through performances and personal stories.
The CMA special, I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, marked the first full-length public memorial dedicated to the singer. The two-hour program included musical performances, archival footage, and personal memories from people whose lives were touched by Parton.
Among the performers was McEntire, who shared a special connection with the late star that stretched back nearly five decades.
Reba McEntire Chooses a Meaningful Song to Honor Dolly Parton
McEntire performed He’s Alive during the televised tribute, accompanied by singers from Belmont University. Her song choice carried a deeper meaning, reflecting the two women’s shared faith and the close friendship they maintained throughout their careers.
This was not McEntire’s first time honoring Parton on a major stage. In September, the Fancy singer delivered a performance of Parton’s 1983 hit Appalachian Memories during the 78th Emmy Awards.
Her appearance at the CMA special offered another opportunity to celebrate the woman who had played an important role in her life.
McEntire and Parton first met in 1977 at the Grand Ole Opry, where McEntire was scheduled to make her debut with two songs. Parton unexpectedly arrived that evening, and the venue’s management informed McEntire that she would have to give up one of her planned songs.
“So I walked in, and they said, ‘Reba, I’m terribly sorry, but the two songs that we said you could sing, you’re only going to get to sing one. I said, ‘Why?’ And they said, ‘Well, Dolly Parton just pulled in the parking lot, and she’s going to take one of your songs,’” McEntire recalled.
Rather than feeling upset, McEntire was excited about the chance to meet her idol.
“I said, ‘Okay, can I meet her?’ I didn’t care or anything. I just wanted to see Dolly Parton,” she said.
When Parton walked into the room, McEntire was immediately struck by her appearance.
“She came walking in and I kinda backed up against the wall, and she had on the most beautiful black chiffon pantsuit with rhinestone butterflies on them — and her beautiful hair. I thought, ‘My gosh, that’s probably what an angel looks just like right there.”
That first meeting marked the beginning of a friendship that lasted until Parton’s death in August.
The Story Behind He’s Alive
Written by Don Francisco, He’s Alive tells the story of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Francisco’s recording received the Song of the Year honor at the 1980 Dove Awards, and Parton later recorded her own version for her 1989 album, White Limozeen.
Parton’s rendition gained further recognition after she performed the song live at the 1990 GMA Dove Awards. Backed by a gospel choir, she delivered the powerful story from the perspective of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, who denied knowing Him three times.
The lyrics explore Peter’s guilt and grief before turning to the joy and forgiveness he experiences after learning that Jesus has risen. In the song’s final moments, Peter declares that Christ is alive and that he has been forgiven.
The song closes with the powerful words, “He’s alive! Yes, He’s alive! Yes, He’s alive, and I’m forgiven. Heaven’s gates are open wide…”
By choosing He’s Alive for the CMA tribute, McEntire honored not only Parton’s musical legacy but also the faith that held meaning for both women.
McEntire’s performance was another emotional reminder of the lasting friendship between two country music icons and the profound impact Parton had on those closest to her.
