Reba gets the tribute

Reba McEntire will perform a special tribute to Dolly Parton at the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday night, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Reba McEntire has been tapped to perform a special tribute to the late Dolly Parton”

One of Dolly's own songs

McEntire is expected to sing a Parton song rather than something written for the occasion, letting the catalog do the honoring.

Dolly died last month

Parton died at 80 after a short battle with cancer, which makes this the first Emmys since country music lost its biggest name.

“the Queen of Country Music, who died last month at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer”

A Knick shows up early

Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks point guard, is expected to appear in a pre-taped segment that opens the telecast.

Why Brunson fits

Host Mariska Hargitay is a well known Knicks fan, regularly seen courtside at Madison Square Garden, so the cameo lands as a personal joke.

Hargitay stays quiet

Asked about Brunson before the ceremony, Hargitay would not confirm the appearance, keeping the opening bit a surprise.

“she wouldn't confirm whether Brunson would make a special appearance”