Reba McEntire Missed Dolly Parton's Late-July Call

Reba McEntire said she missed a phone call from Dolly Parton in late July and could not reconnect with her before Parton died in August. McEntire said the call’s purpose remains unknown, leaving her with an unanswered question about her longtime friend’s final weeks. In an interview, McEntire said Parton called while she was in a meeting. She missed the call, then tried to return it but was unable to reach Parton. McEntire said she learned of Parton’s death when a friend called to tell her. She recalled thinking she would never know why Parton had called, though she added that she might find out one day. The account comes from McEntire’s interview; the reports provide no independent confirmation of the call or attempted return call. They also offer no explanation for what Parton wanted to discuss. No message or account from Parton about the call was reported. Parton died in August at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to reports. The central account does not establish a more specific date for her death.