Reba McEntire Reveals She Missed a Call From Dolly Parton Before Her Death: “I’ll Never Know Why She Called”

Reba McEntire revealed that she missed a call from her longtime friend Dolly Parton a month before the country music icon died.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight in an interview published on Sept. 25 (aka “Dolly Parton Appreciation Day”), McEntire recalled missing a call from Parton in July and being unable to get back in touch.

“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 connection,” McEntire said. “Then when my buddy called me and said, ‘Dolly’s gone,’ I thought, ‘I’ll never know why she called me.’”

“I’ll find out one day,” she added. “What a blessing she was for all of us.”

Parton died peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on Aug. 25 in Nashville.

Following the news of Parton’s death, McEntire was among the many stars who paid tribute to the “Jolene” singer.

“Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth,” McEntire wrote on Instagram at the time. “Your love, your music and you gave so much with your huge, huge heart. There will never ever be another you. We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”

McEntire and Parton have collaborated several times over the years. Parton appeared as a guest star on the sitcom Reba. The two recorded a cover of “Does He Love You” for McEntire’s 2021 album, and McEntire also appeared in a revamped version of Parton’s song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” alongside Miley Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and Queen Latifah in January 2026. They also co-hosted the CMA Awards in 2019.

Earlier this month, McEntire performed Parton’s song “Appalachian Memories” at the Emmys.