Reba McEntire has revealed that she missed a call from Dolly Parton shortly before the country music star died, and was unable to make contact when she tried to return it.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, McEntire said Parton called her at the end of July while she was in a meeting.
“She did call me the last of July, and I was in a meeting and I missed her call,” McEntire said. “I tried to get back in touch with her and I couldn’t; never made connection.”
McEntire said she later learned of Parton’s death from a friend. “And then when my buddy called me and said, ‘Dolly’s gone,’ I thought, ‘I’ll never know why she called me,’” she said.
She added: “I’ll find out one day.”
Parton’s death was announced on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer. The two singers had been friends for many years, having first met in September 1977 at the Grand Ole Opry after Parton took one of McEntire’s scheduled songs following her unexpected arrival.
Following Parton’s death, McEntire paid tribute to her friend on Instagram.
“Well, I just got the news that my buddy Dolly passed onto the higher and greater side. Dolly, thank you for all the wonderful things you did for us here on earth. Your love, your music, and you gave so much with your huge huge heart. There will never ever be another you,” she wrote. “We will remember and cherish every memory and every note you ever played and sang.”
