Moments after Reba performed “Oklahoma Swing” with Vince Gill said someone special wanted to send a video message. Everyone looked up at the screen and someone said, “Hey Reba!” but the video feed cut out!
“I don’t think the video’s workin,” Gill said, before the legendary Dolly Parton cut him off and said, “I’m workin’!”
McEntire stopped dead in her tracks with her mouth wide open and turned around to see Parton walking towards her on stage. The “Fancy” singer wiped a few tears away as Parton said some very kind words to her.
“I remember 40 years ago, because when you made your debut, and actually, I was here for some reason, and you were new. You were supposed to have two spots on the Opry, and they gave me one of them. So, I just wanted to give it back to you tonight,” she joked. “I just wanted to come out and say hello, and say congratulations, and how much I love you.”
Parton and Underwood then presented McEntire with a beautiful cake and Parton led the crowd in singing “Happy Anniversary” to the tune of “Happy Birthday.” Parton changed the final lyric of the song to, “I will always love you.”
Watch Reba recount the Opry story below.
