78th Emmys to Honor Dolly Parton with Reba McEntire Tribute and Noah Kahan Performance

Key points

• Reba McEntire is set to perform a tribute to Dolly Parton, who died in August 2026 at age 80, during the 78th Emmy Awards.
• Noah Kahan will perform Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' during the In Memoriam segment of the ceremony.
• NBA player Jalen Brunson is expected to make a guest appearance in a pre-taped segment, leveraging host Mariska Hargitay's connection to the New York Knicks.
• The ceremony will also include reunions for the 30th anniversary of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and the 50th anniversary of 'Charlie's Angels.'
• HBO Max's 'The Pitt' leads the nominations with 25, followed by 'Hacks' with 24, while the broadcast will air from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Background

Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Her death prompted widespread tributes across the entertainment industry, including a solo performance by Brad Paisley and a butterfly-themed helmet sticker from the Tennessee Volunteers. The 78th Emmy Awards, scheduled for September 14, 2026, will serve as a major televised platform to honor her legacy alongside other notable figures in television.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and Variety both confirm the Reba McEntire tribute and the Jalen Brunson appearance, though Variety notes that producers are keeping specific details of the Parton tribute under wraps. Billboard emphasizes the musical aspect, highlighting Noah Kahan's choice of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' for the In Memoriam segment. The Television Academy provides the official logistical details, confirming the venue and the involvement of executive producers Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay. All sources agree on the date and host, but differ in their emphasis on the specific creative elements and the emotional tone of the ceremony.

Why it matters

The 78th Emmy Awards will be a significant cultural moment, blending high-profile entertainment with heartfelt tributes to industry legends. The inclusion of a major sports figure like Jalen Brunson and the reunion of iconic TV casts signals a shift toward a more inclusive and celebratory tone. Additionally, the ceremony's timing, just weeks after Dolly Parton's death, underscores the industry's collective grief and respect for her enduring impact on music and television.

What to watch

The 78th Emmy Awards will air live on September 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The ceremony will feature the Reba McEntire tribute, Noah Kahan's performance, and the reunions for 'Buffy' and 'Charlie's Angels.' Viewers can expect a mix of live and pre-taped segments, with host Mariska Hargitay leading the event. The broadcast will also include the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award presentation to Michael J. Fox.