Reba McEntire is remembering her longtime friendship with Dolly Parton and the emotional weight of missing the final phone call Dolly made before her death. The two country music icons shared a friendship that lasted nearly five decades, beginning with their first meeting at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977.
Reba McEntire Opens Up About Missing Dolly Parton’s Final Phone Call
Throughout their decades-long friendship, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton supported each other through major moments in their careers and personal lives. Their connection extended far beyond music, creating a bond that remained meaningful even as their busy schedules made it difficult to stay in constant contact.
A Friendship That Lasted Nearly Five Decades
Reba and Dolly first met at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977. From there, their friendship continued to grow as both women became major figures in country music.
Over the years, they celebrated professional milestones and remained there for one another during difficult periods. Dolly, in particular, offered Reba important support after a devastating tragedy changed her career in 1991.
Eight members of Reba’s touring band and crew were killed in a plane crash following a show in San Diego. In the aftermath, Dolly offered Reba the use of her own band.
That generous gesture allowed Reba to continue touring while she worked to rebuild her team. It became another meaningful example of the friendship and support the two country stars shared.
Reba and Dolly Also Worked Together
Their relationship was not limited to their personal friendship. Reba and Dolly also shared professional moments throughout the years.
In 2005, Dolly made a guest appearance on Reba’s sitcom. She played a character named Dolly Majors, giving fans an opportunity to see the two stars together in a different setting.
Their friendship continued through the years, even as both singers maintained demanding careers. Reba later reflected on how difficult it could be for them to find time to speak, but their conversations remained important whenever they connected.
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Reba Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton
Following news of Dolly’s death, Reba shared a touching tribute to her longtime friend on social media. She also honored Dolly through a special performance during the 2026 Emmy Awards.
For the emotional performance, Reba appeared in an elegant all-white gown on a cloud-filled stage. She performed Dolly’s iconic song “Appalachian Memories” while a montage of images from Dolly’s life appeared behind her.
Reba struggled to hold back tears as she sang. The performance gave her another opportunity to honor Dolly’s remarkable career and the lasting legacy she left behind.
The tribute also reflected the personal connection between the two women. Reba was not simply honoring another country music legend. She was remembering someone she had known and loved for decades.
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Reba Reveals She Missed Dolly’s Final Call
Now, Reba has opened up about one particularly painful moment surrounding Dolly’s death.
In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Reba explained that Dolly called her toward the end of July. At the time, Reba was sitting in a meeting and could not answer the phone.
Afterward, Reba attempted to return the call. However, the two friends never had another opportunity to speak.
That missed call has remained with Reba because she does not know what Dolly wanted to discuss.
“I’ll never know why she called me,” Reba said while recalling the moment in a new interview, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Only a few weeks later, Reba received heartbreaking news about her longtime friend.
On the morning of Aug. 25, Reba received a call from her friend Lisa Davis. Davis told her that Dolly had died. She was 80.
Their Last Conversation Was Special
Despite their demanding schedules, Reba and Dolly had continued making an effort to stay connected. Their conversations were sometimes difficult to arrange, but Reba said their most recent conversation was especially meaningful.
Reba explained that she knew Dolly had a lot happening in her life at the time. Still, she did not want to be the person who ended their conversation.
That final conversation now carries even more meaning for Reba. Although she did not know it would be their last, she remembers it as a special moment between two longtime friends.
The unanswered question surrounding Dolly’s final call remains difficult. Reba may never know what Dolly wanted to tell her or why she had reached out that day.
Finding Comfort in the Future
Although the unanswered question may stay with her, Reba has found a way to take comfort in the uncertainty.
She believes that, someday, she will finally understand why Dolly called that day.
While speaking about the missed call, Reba said that she finds comfort in knowing “one day” she will find out. For now, the memory of their friendship and their final meaningful conversation remains close to her.
For Reba, Dolly’s legacy is therefore deeply personal. Their friendship began at the Grand Ole Opry nearly five decades ago and continued through triumphs, tragedies, performances, and countless conversations.
Even though Reba missed that final call, the decades of friendship they shared remain part of her memories. Her tributes, including her emotional Emmy performance, show just how meaningful Dolly was in her life.
And while Reba may never know what Dolly wanted to say that day, she holds onto the hope that the answer will come “one day.”
