Reba McEntire Honors Dolly Parton With a Powerful Performance of “He’s Alive” During Emotional CMA Tribute

A decades-long friendship, a song filled with faith, and a heartfelt tribute came together in one unforgettable moment honoring Dolly Parton.

Country music has witnessed countless memorable performances, but some moments carry a deeper meaning than the music itself. That was the feeling surrounding Reba McEntire’s emotional rendition of “He’s Alive” during CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton.

The special, held at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville on October 21, 2026, brought together country music stars to celebrate Dolly Parton’s remarkable life, career, and lasting influence.

For Reba, the evening was especially personal. Her connection with Dolly stretched back decades, making her performance a heartfelt tribute to a friend who had played an important role in her life.

A Performance Filled With Faith and Emotion

When Reba stepped onto the stage, she chose to perform “He’s Alive,” a powerful gospel song written by Don Francisco.

The song tells the story of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and explores themes of regret, forgiveness, hope, and renewed faith. Its message made it a meaningful choice for an evening dedicated to remembering Dolly and celebrating the values that shaped her life.

Reba’s performance also reflected the spiritual connection she shared with Dolly. Rather than simply revisiting a familiar song, she brought a deeply personal meaning to the moment.

Backed by the Belmont Singers, the performance added a moving gospel atmosphere to the tribute, creating one of the evening’s memorable musical highlights.

The First Meeting That Started a Lasting Friendship

Reba and Dolly’s friendship began in 1977 at the Grand Ole Opry, when Reba was preparing to make her debut on the legendary stage.

Reba was scheduled to perform two songs, but she learned that Dolly’s unexpected arrival meant she would have to give up one of her performance slots.

Instead of being disappointed, Reba was thrilled at the opportunity to meet the woman she admired.

She later recalled being captivated by Dolly’s appearance, including her beautiful hair and a striking black chiffon outfit decorated with rhinestone butterflies.

That first encounter became the beginning of a friendship that continued throughout their careers.

Their relationship was built on mutual admiration, shared experiences, and a love of music. For Reba, honoring Dolly was therefore about much more than celebrating another superstar. It was a chance to remember someone who had inspired her from the very beginning.

Why “He’s Alive” Was Such a Meaningful Choice

Written by Don Francisco, “He’s Alive” became widely recognized within Christian music after receiving the Song of the Year honor at the 1980 Dove Awards.

Dolly recorded her own version for her 1989 album White Limozeen and later delivered a memorable performance of the song at the 1990 GMA Dove Awards.

Her interpretation connected the song’s message of redemption and forgiveness with her own musical style and faith.

By choosing the same song for the CMA tribute, Reba drew attention to an important part of Dolly’s artistic legacy that extended beyond her best-known country hits.

It was a reminder that Dolly’s musical influence reached across genres, touching country, gospel, pop, and audiences around the world.

A Night Celebrating Dolly’s Extraordinary Legacy

Reba was among a remarkable group of performers who gathered for the two-hour celebration.

The lineup included Carrie Underwood, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, and numerous other artists representing different generations of music.

Throughout the event, performances, archival footage, and personal stories highlighted Dolly’s achievements as a songwriter, entertainer, businesswoman, and philanthropist.

The celebration also supported a cause close to Dolly’s heart: her Imagination Library, the book-gifting program that encourages children to develop a love of reading.

The CMA and Belmont University announced that proceeds from the special would support the program, continuing Dolly’s commitment to helping young readers.

A Friendship Remembered Through Music

Reba McEntire’s performance of “He’s Alive” offered a deeply personal moment during a celebration of Dolly Parton’s remarkable influence.

Their friendship began with an unexpected encounter at the Grand Ole Opry and grew into a lasting connection between two celebrated country artists.

Through her song choice, Reba honored both Dolly’s musical achievements and the shared faith that helped shape their bond.

Some tributes are remembered for their spectacle. Others remain meaningful because of the personal stories behind them.

For Reba, this performance brought those two things together: a beloved song, a lifetime of memories, and an opportunity to honor a friend whose influence would continue to be felt for generations.

What do you think of Reba McEntire choosing “He’s Alive” for this special tribute to Dolly Parton? Share your thoughts and your favorite Dolly Parton memory in the comments below. ❤️🎶

Source: Country Rebel, with additional background from Taste of Country.