78th Emmys to Honor Dolly Parton with Reba McEntire Tribute; Baywatch Cast Joins Presenter Lineup

Key points

• The ceremony is scheduled for September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Mariska Hargitay.
• Reba McEntire will headline a tribute to Dolly Parton, who died at age 80 on August 25, 2026.
• Noah Kahan will perform 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' during the In Memoriam segment.
• Presenters include the cast of the Fox Baywatch reboot, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Shailene Woodley.
• The show will air on NBC and stream on Peacock, with executive production by Jesse Collins Entertainment.

Background

Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, following a brief cancer battle. Her death prompted widespread tributes, including a half-mast flag order by President Trump and the renaming of Nashville International Airport in her honor. This Emmy tribute is part of a broader wave of posthumous honors, including a new track released on a Stanley Brothers tribute album.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline emphasizes the dual role of presenters like the Baywatch cast and LL Cool J in promoting their new shows while honoring the ceremony. Variety highlights the inclusion of recent Emmy winners like Shailene Woodley and nominees like Jamie Lee Curtis. The Hollywood Reporter focuses on the star power of the initial presenter list, including Zendaya and David Harbour, and notes Hargitay's role as the first woman to host in 15 years. Billboard provides historical context on the In Memoriam song choice, noting 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' is a traditional selection for such segments.

Why it matters

The ceremony serves as a major industry gathering that balances honoring legacy figures like Dolly Parton with promoting upcoming network programming, reflecting the evolving landscape of television awards and marketing strategies.

What to watch

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on September 14, 2026, with the Creative Arts winners already announced in earlier ceremonies.