Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Emmys 2026 In Memoriam Honors O’Hara, Parton and Reiner
The Emmy Awards held a special section to remember people from the entertainment world who had died.
Catherine O’Hara was honored by Annie Murphy and Dan Levy, who had worked with her on Schitt’s Creek.
They described how much she had influenced people.
Dolly Parton was remembered by Sally Field, and Reba McEntire sang one of Parton’s songs.
Rob Reiner was remembered by Jamie Lee Curtis.
Reiner also received an Emmy after his death for his role in The Bear.
Noah Kahan sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during the tribute video.
Some viewers said several other entertainers were missing from the segment.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards honored entertainment figures who died since the previous ceremony.
Annie Murphy and Dan Levy remembered their Schitt’s Creek co-star Catherine O’Hara.
Dolly Parton was honored by Sally Field, while Reba McEntire performed “Appalachian Memories.”
Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute to Rob Reiner, who also won a posthumous guest-acting Emmy.
Viewers questioned the absence of names including Nicholas Brendon, Chuck Norris and Daveigh Chase.
- Who
- Catherine O’Hara, Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner and other entertainment figures were honored; presenters included Annie Murphy, Dan Levy, Sally Field and Jamie Lee Curtis.
- What
- The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards presented an In Memoriam tribute featuring speeches, performances and a montage.
- When
- The tribute took place during the 2026 Emmy Awards and honored people who died since the previous ceremony; Parton died on August 25 at age 80, and Reiner died in December.
- Where
- The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
- Why
- The tribute recognized the contributions of deceased actors, filmmakers, musicians and other entertainment professionals.
Viewers Questioning Omissions
Ceremony’s Selected Tribute
Who was included in the memorial
Viewers Questioning Omissions
Some viewers said the segment should also have recognized names such as Nicholas Brendon, Chuck Norris, Patrick Muldoon, Jaye P. Morgan and Daveigh Chase.
Ceremony’s Selected Tribute
The televised presentation honored a selected group of performers and industry professionals, including Catherine O’Hara, Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner, Tim Curry, James Van Der Beek and Isiah Whitlock Jr.
- Ceremony
- 78th Primetime Emmy Awards
- Venue
- Peacock Theater, Los Angeles
- Catherine O’Hara tributes
- Annie Murphy and Dan Levy remembered their Schitt’s Creek co-star.
- Dolly Parton tribute
- Sally Field spoke about Parton, and Reba McEntire performed “Appalachian Memories.”
- Rob Reiner recognition
- Reiner won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series posthumously for The Bear.
- Musical accompaniment
- Noah Kahan performed Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
- Viewer concerns
- Some viewers noted that Nicholas Brendon, Chuck Norris, Patrick Muldoon, Jaye P. Morgan and Daveigh Chase were not included.