Reba McEntire sings ‘He’s Alive’ at CMA’s Dolly Parton tribute, recalls first Grand Ole Opry meeting in 1977

Reba McEntire honored Dolly Parton with a performance of “He’s Alive” during CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton on Wednesday night (Oct. 21). The tribute, staged at Nashville’s Belmont University, gathered country artists across generations to salute Parton’s far-reaching legacy, according to Taste of Country.

McEntire’s selection, written by Don Francisco, was a pointed nod to the faith that both artists have long expressed in their work. “He’s Alive,” which recounts the resurrection of Jesus Christ, earned Song of the Year at the 1980 Dove Awards for Francisco. Parton later recorded the song for her 1989 album White Limozeen and delivered a high-profile performance of it at the 1990 GMA Dove Awards, anchoring the track in country and gospel history that continues to resonate with listeners.

During the special, McEntire looked back on meeting Parton for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977, when McEntire was set to make her debut on the storied stage. She was scheduled for two songs, but management cut her set to one because Parton had arrived and would take the other slot. “I didn’t care or anything. I just wanted to see Dolly Parton,” McEntire recalled. When Parton entered in a black chiffon pantsuit accented with rhinestone butterflies, McEntire remembered thinking, “My gosh, that’s probably what an angel just looks like right there.”

The performance connected decades of friendship and artistic influence, highlighting how Parton’s catalog and presence have shaped peers and successors alike. By choosing a song intertwined with Parton’s own discography and gospel legacy, McEntire offered a personal salute that underscored why Parton’s work remains central to country music’s identity. For fans, the moment bridged classic and contemporary country, placing a familiar standard back in the spotlight while celebrating the mentor-artist bond that has helped define Nashville’s storytelling tradition.

Source: Taste of Country