Reba McEntire has opened up about a missed phone call from her long-time friend Dolly Parton just weeks before Parton’s death. McEntire said Parton called her at the end of July, but she was unable to answer because she was in a meeting.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, McEntire explained that she tried to return the call but never managed to reconnect with the country music legend.
Parton died in Nashville on August 25, 2026, at age 80. Her representatives said she had been facing a brief battle with cancer.
Reba McEntire Says She Missed Dolly Parton’s Call
McEntire recalled receiving the unexpected call from Parton toward the end of July.
She was in a meeting when her phone rang, so she missed the opportunity to speak with her friend. McEntire said she later attempted to reach Parton but was unable to make contact.
The missed call took on a different meaning after Parton died.
McEntire told Entertainment Tonight that when she learned Parton was gone, she realised she might never know what her friend wanted to discuss. She nevertheless said she believes she will find out someday.
McEntire Remembered Their Last Conversation
Although the two singers did not reconnect after the missed call, McEntire said their previous conversation remained especially meaningful.
According to McEntire, their schedules had often made it difficult to find time to talk. When they finally managed to connect, however, she described the conversation as special.
She also remembered not wanting to end the call.
McEntire said she knew Parton was busy, but she still did not want to let her go. That final conversation has since become an especially important memory for the country singer.
Dolly Parton and Reba McElhenney Entirely Shared a Long Friendship
McEntire and Parton had a friendship that stretched across decades of country music.
Their connection was part of a broader relationship between two generations of country artists. McEntire has continued to speak warmly about Parton since her death.
Following the news, McEntire shared a tribute celebrating Parton’s music, generosity and influence. She also remembered their first meeting and their final conversation.
Parton’s official website describes her career as spanning seven decades and highlights her work as a singer, songwriter, actress, author and philanthropist.
Dolly Parton Died at 80 After a Brief Cancer Battle
Parton’s death was announced on August 25, 2026.
Her official website confirmed that she died peacefully in Nashville at age 80. The announcement said a small private service would be held for immediate family.
Her representatives later confirmed that Parton had died following a brief battle with cancer. The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed in the announcement.
Parton’s death prompted tributes from musicians, actors, television personalities and other public figures around the world.
McEntire Continues to Honour Parton’s Legacy
McEntire’s comments add a personal perspective to the many tributes that followed Parton’s death.
Rather than focusing only on Parton’s extraordinary career, McEntire remembered the friendship behind the public image. Her account of the missed call and their final conversation shows why their relationship remains an important part of her memories of Parton.
Parton’s official team has also said that projects she had been developing will continue following her death. Her team noted that Parton remained involved in new projects until the end of her life.
For McEntire, however, one unanswered question remains: why Parton called that day in July.