WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Reba McEntire missed a late July call from Dolly Parton and could not reconnect with her before Parton’s death.
- McEntire said she may never know why Parton called, though she hopes she will find out one day.
- Parton died August 25 at age 80 after what representatives described as a brief battle with cancer.
- McEntire honored her longtime friend through an emotional Instagram tribute celebrating Parton’s music, generosity, and heart.
One month after Dolly Parton’s death, Reba McEntire is opening up about a missed phone call that continues to weigh heavily on her. Parton died on August 25 at age 80 following what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer.
McEntire, 71, told Entertainment Tonight that Parton called her near the end of July. McEntire was in a meeting at the time and could not answer, leaving her unaware that the missed call would become a painful final mystery.
“She did call me the last of July, and I was in a meeting and I missed her call,” McEntire lamented. “I tried to get back in touch with her, and I couldn’t. Never made connection.”
When McEntire learned that Parton had died, one thought immediately troubled her. She recalled thinking, “I’ll never know why she called me.”
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Reba McEntire reveals to ET she missed a call from Dolly Parton and couldn’t get back in touch before her death:
“She did call me the last of July, and I was in a meeting and I missed her call. I tried to get back in touch with her and I couldn’t, never made a connection.” pic.twitter.com/xnEPtjQzR2
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 26, 2026
That unanswered question has stayed with McEntire in the weeks since Parton’s death. Even so, she remains hopeful that she will “find out one day” why her longtime friend had tried to reach her.
McEntire’s grief became public within hours of the news. She shared an emotional Instagram tribute honoring Parton’s music, generosity, friendship, and the memories they created together.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side,” McEntire wrote. She thanked Parton for everything she had done for people on Earth and praised the love, music, and enormous heart she shared.
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“There will never ever be another you,” McEntire continued. She said Parton’s fans and friends would remember and cherish every memory, along with every note she played and sang.
McEntire also envisioned Parton singing in heaven with relatives and friends who had died before her. Her message combined heartbreak over the loss with gratitude for the life and work Parton shared.
Here’s PART 2
When she talks about Dolly 🥺…#Reba @reba #ET https://t.co/a2IPqqLGeG pic.twitter.com/K03UXepwBW— Annie (@Annie29878717) September 24, 2026
“I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I hold it with love in my heart,” McEntire concluded. “I will always love you, Reba.”
In her latest interview, McEntire described the final conversation they actually completed as “really special.” She also admitted that she “didn’t want to let her go,” despite knowing how busy the “9 to 5” singer remained near the end of her life.
Parton’s team announced her death last month, revealing only afterward that she had privately been facing cancer. Her representatives said she died on August 25 after a brief battle with the disease, but they did not identify the type of cancer.
Dolly Parton was privately battling cancer in the final days of her life.
Her representatives say the 80-year-old country music legend died following a “brief battle with cancer,” revealing the diagnosis after her death. They did not disclose what type of cancer she had.
Just… pic.twitter.com/WlhDA7pc5j
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 26, 2026
A representative told People Magazine that Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope, and integrity into everything she touched. The statement also praised her generosity and willingness to help people she would never meet.
Her representatives said Parton’s unconditional love for all people guided her lasting impact. They also stated that she died at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center while surrounded by loved ones.
Parton’s family issued a separate tribute through Entertainment Weekly. “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the family said, while recognizing a career that spanned seven decades.
The family said Parton inspired multiple generations of artists and fans through her music and her commitment to improving the world. They added that her songs would continue connecting with people of all ages and that her philanthropic work would leave a lasting impact.
A message from the family of Dolly Parton. pic.twitter.com/9DNRgRx0uH
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) August 25, 2026
For McEntire, the missed July call remains an especially painful part of mourning a close friend. She could not reconnect with Parton before her death, and the reason behind that final attempt to speak with her remains unknown.
Still, McEntire’s tribute made clear that their last completed conversation holds a cherished place in her heart. Alongside the regret of the unanswered call, she continues to carry memories of Parton’s friendship, music, generosity, and love.
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