An Emotional Tribute to Dolly Parton and Catherine O'Hara at the 78th Emmy Awards

- Just before the 78th Emmy Awards ceremony, which took place in Los Angeles, California, the organizers faced a significant challenge in preparing the tribute segment for the late stars this year, given the number of giants we have lost in the television industry since last year's ceremony. Stars associated with the late Catherine O'Hara took to the stage to share touching memories about the legendary comedic actress and express what she meant to them.

Actor Macaulay Culkin jokingly told the audience that although she had "forgotten him" twice in the films that made them both famous, we will never forget her, referring to the late actress's role as his mother in two parts of the famous film series "Home Alone." Annie Murphy and Dan Levy also spoke about the impact O'Hara had on their lives, as they had previously played her spoiled children in the comedy series "Schitt’s Creek."

Murphy recounted how many reached out to her after O'Hara's passing last January to offer condolences, citing specific moments from the late artist's works; reflecting the joy she brought to many hearts. After their speech, singer-songwriter Noah Kahan took to the stage to perform "Bridge over Troubled Water" by the duo "Simon & Garfunkel," while images of the actors lost by Hollywood were displayed on the screen during the tribute segment.

At the end of the segment, Jamie Lee Curtis honored the legendary late director James Burrows, alongside fellow late director Rob Reiner, noting that the latter had won an "Emmy" award about a week ago for his role in the series "The Bear." Sally Field added an emotional touch to the tribute for Dolly Parton at the "Peacock" theater.

Speaking about her late colleague with whom she co-starred in the film "Steel Magnolias," Field said, "If there are real angels on earth, we just lost one of them," describing her as "so funny, with a bold and candid sense of humor, to the extent that it might make any rude man look for a hiding place." Following Field's moving words, Reba McEntire took to the stage to perform Parton's song "Appalachian Memories," with music being the first link that brought them together as country music singers.

A strong friendship developed between the two stars over the years; McEntire stood by Parton in 1991, following a plane crash that claimed the lives of 8 members of her band. They also shared happy times in 2005 when the late star appeared as a guest on the popular television series "Reba."

The two stars also appeared together on stage on numerous occasions. In January 2026, coinciding with Parton's 80th birthday, the song "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" was released featuring McEntire, Laini Wilson, Miley Cyrus, and Queen Latifah.

After Parton's passing, McEntire posted a message on social media praising her friend Dolly.