Reba McEntire has shared the poignant details of her final, missed connection with Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, McEntire reflected on the “unanswered question” of a phone call from Parton that she was unable to return in the weeks leading up to the country icon’s death.
The missed call occurred in late July 2026. McEntire explained that she was in the middle of a meeting when Parton reached out. By the time she was free to call back, she was unable to reconnect with Parton, who was then in the midst of a private battle with cancer. McEntire was later informed of Parton’s passing on the morning of August 25 by her close personal friend, Lisa Davis.
Parton’s final months were marked by a characteristically quiet focus on her work and family. In June 2026, just weeks before her health declined, she completed what would become her final vocal recording: a duet with U2 frontman Bono titled “Torn.” Despite her illness, Parton’s team and family maintained strict privacy regarding her condition, which was described after her death as a “brief battle.”
A Private Farewell at Woodlawn
In accordance with her final wishes, Parton was laid to rest in a small, private ceremony on August 28, 2026. She was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville, beside her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean. According to The Guardian, Dean passed away in 2025, and the couple’s reunion in their final resting place was a core part of Parton’s end-of-life planning.
The burial service was limited to approximately 10 close relatives. Parton’s cousin, Richie Owens, later confirmed the intimate nature of the event, noting that the singer had specifically requested a service away from the public eye.
The country music community has continued to honor Parton’s legacy through high-profile tributes. On September 14, 2026, McEntire performed a soulful rendition of “Appalachian Memories” during the 78th Emmy Awards. The performance served as the official In Memoriam tribute for the ceremony, acknowledging Parton’s extensive contributions to television and film alongside her musical career.
