Reba McEntire Reveals Dolly Parton's Last Unanswered Call

Reba McEntire has revealed her deep regret after missing a phone call from Dolly Parton last July, about a month before the country music legend died in August at the age of 80 from cancer. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, McEntire said she was in a meeting when the call came in, and her attempts to call back never got through.

“She called me at the end of July, and I was in a meeting so I missed the call. I tried to reach her again but never got through,” McEntire said, as quoted by Entertainment Tonight. “Then when my friend told me, ‘Dolly's gone,’ I thought, ‘I'll never know why she called.’ One day I'll find out.”

The story of their first meeting dates back to 1977, when McEntire, now 71, made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry. Parton appeared unexpectedly backstage, and the organizers asked McEntire to cut one of her songs to make room for Parton. Rather than being disappointed, McEntire was thrilled. “I said, ‘Never mind, cut both of them as long as I get to meet Dolly!’” she recalled.

McEntire still remembers Parton's performance that night clearly: wearing a beautiful black chiffon gown adorned with rhinestone butterflies. Since that introduction, the two built a friendship that lasted for decades.

After Parton's passing, McEntire paid tribute at the Emmy Awards in September by performing Parton's song “Appalachian Memories” (1983). After the performance, she delivered an emotional message: “I love you, Dolly. So much.”

On social media, McEntire also wrote about her love. “Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did on this earth. Your love, your music, and your very big heart gave so much. There will never be another like you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you played and sang. Thank you, God, for Dolly. She will have a great time in heaven singing all her favorite songs with family and friends who have gone before her,” she wrote. “I will never forget our first meeting and our last conversation. I keep them with love in my heart. I will always love you.”

This story has touched many country music fans around the world, including in Indonesia. Although the country genre is not mainstream here, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire are known as icons who inspire musicians across generations. The warm personal bond between them is a reminder that behind the glitter of the entertainment industry, emotional ties remain what matter most.

Going forward, Dolly Parton's legacy is expected to live on through her music and her foundation. Meanwhile, Reba McEntire is expected to keep remembering her friend on various occasions. Will a duet project or tribute album follow? The public awaits the continuation of their friendship story in the form of works.