Sally Field paid heartfelt tribute to late country music and entertainment icon Dolly Parton during a touching segment at the Emmys, remembering her former Steel Magnolias co-star as a kind, generous and exceptionally funny person whose impact extended far beyond her work in music and film.Field described Parton as a “true angel” while reflecting on their friendship and their time working together. Parton died on Aug. 25 in Nashville at the age of 80 following a battle with cancer.
“If there are truly angels on Earth, then we just lost one – Dolly Parton,” Field said during the tribute. She recalled how fortunate she felt to have worked with Parton on Steel Magnolias and said that although the two eventually lived far apart, her affection for Parton never faded.
“I adored her from day one. How could you not?” Field said. She remembered Parton as genuine, humble and supportive, while also highlighting her distinctive sense of humor. Field described her as “blisteringly funny,” adding that her bawdy humor could make even a rude man “looking for a place to hide.”Field also reflected on how she initially viewed Parton primarily through the lens of her extraordinary career as a musician and actress. Over time, however, she came to recognize the broader influence Parton had through her humanitarian work.
“She was a humanitarian whose contributions have made a profound difference in the lives of so many in her home state of Tennessee and across our country,” Field said. She ended her tribute by offering a personal farewell to her longtime friend, saying that she was certain she would not be the only person who would continue to love Parton forever.The tribute continued with country singer Reba McEntire, who performed Parton’s 1983 song “Appalachian Memories.” The song carried a particularly personal connection to Parton, as she had performed it at the 1983 Emmys herself.
Before McEntire took the stage, an archival clip from that ceremony was shown. In the footage, Parton explained that the song had been inspired by her childhood and treasured memories of growing up in the Smoky Mountains. She described the song as deeply meaningful to her and expressed her hope that audiences would connect with it.
McEntire had a close friendship with Parton and publicly mourned her following the news of her death. In an Instagram tribute, McEntire reflected on the enormous amount of love and music Parton had given throughout her life, writing that there would “never ever be another” Parton.Following the onstage tribute, Field continued speaking about Parton while talking to reporters backstage. She recalled the unique bond formed among actors who spend extended periods working together on a film, comparing the experience to being in battle because cast members rely on and support one another.
Field remembered how the Steel Magnolias cast spent time together away from the set as well. The actresses would reportedly go shopping together, including trips to Walmart. Field jokingly imagined what it must have looked like for the entire group to walk into the store together.The emotional tribute also came at a significant moment in Field’s own life and career. Parton had celebrated her 80th birthday in January, while Field is set to turn 80 on Nov. 6.
Speaking candidly about reaching the milestone, Field acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with continuing to work in Hollywood at her age. She questioned what opportunities might still be ahead while pointing to the difficulty older actresses face in finding substantial new projects.
“What’s left for me? I don’t know,” Field said. “What’s around the corner? It’s very hard to find projects for old women.”
Field added that turning 80 has made her especially aware of the challenges of finding her next role. Rather than suggesting that she is ready to step away, she said the focus is on discovering what comes next in her career.“It’s about finding that next thing,” she said.
Field’s tribute offered a personal perspective on Parton that went beyond her status as a celebrated performer. Through memories of their time together on Steel Magnolias, their friendship over the years and Parton’s humanitarian contributions, Field portrayed a woman whose influence reached well beyond the entertainment industry.
