Happy’s Place to Honor Dolly Parton With Heartfelt Tribute in Upcoming Episode
Happy’s Place is preparing to deliver more than its usual laughs this Friday. The NBC comedy starring Reba McEntire will pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton in its October 30 episode, and something tells us there won't be many dry eyes when this one wraps up.
The tribute comes during Season 3, Episode 2, titled “Skeletons in the Closet,” which centers on Día de los Muertos. Bobbie (McEntire) and Isabella (Belissa Escobedo) honor their late father, Happy, by placing his photograph on an ofrenda, a traditional altar celebrating loved ones who have passed away.
But Happy won't be the only familiar face remembered. A photograph of Parton will also appear on the altar, bringing a touching real-life connection to the episode. For McEntire, the tribute is particularly personal. The two country music legends shared a friendship spanning nearly five decades, and Parton even guest-starred on McEntire's former sitcom, Reba, in 2005.
The decision to honor Parton came after her death on August 25, which coincided with filming the episode. McEntire explained that the timing made the tribute feel especially meaningful.
“We were filming this episode on the day she passed, and it just felt like the right thing to do as our way of honoring her,” McEntire shared in a statement.
The episode will conclude with a photograph of McEntire and Parton accompanied by the words, “We will always love you.” It's a fitting tribute to a woman whose music, generosity, and larger-than-life personality touched generations.
Meanwhile, the comedy won't be completely taking the night off. Gabby (Melissa Peterman) has Halloween pranks planned, while Emmett (Rex Linn) does everything possible to avoid becoming her next victim.
Leave it to Happy’s Place to balance heartfelt moments with a little chaos. This Friday, though, the biggest moment belongs to Dolly.
Happy’s Place airs Friday, October 30, at 8/7c on NBC, with episodes streaming the following day on Peacock.
I love happy place. Hoping for season 4 and I love the picture of Reba and Dolly their both are beautiful souls and Dolly she’s an angel we all love and miss her dearly the day the world went silent and still silent gone but not forgotten rest peacefully dolly fly high fly high sing in the choir u have most of the country stars with u we know ur all playing and singing up there a concert in heaven until we meet you on the other side