Reba McEntire is reflecting on a missed opportunity to speak with Dolly Parton before the country music icon died at age 80.About a month after Dolly Parton’s death, Reba McEntire revealed that she never found out why her longtime friend called her shortly before her passing.Parton called McEntire at the end of July while the singer was in a meeting. McEntire missed the call and later tried to reach her, but the two never managed to connect.“She did call me the last of July, and I was in a meeting and I missed her call. I tried to get back in touch with her and I couldn’t; never made connection.”Reba McEntire said she learned of Dolly Parton’s death when a friend called to tell her the news. The realization that she would never know the reason for Parton’s call made the moment especially difficult.“And then when my buddy called me and said, ‘Dolly’s gone,’ I thought, ‘I’ll never know why she called me.’ I’ll find out one day.”Reba McEntire honors Dolly Parton after her deathDolly Parton’s death was announced on Aug. 25 following what was described as a brief battle with cancer. She was 80.At the time of her passing, her nephew, Bryan Seaver—who had been recently fired from his position as the head of security—announced her death in a heartfelt video tribute celebrating the country icon’s legacy.“My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I’m representing the Parton and Owens family today announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.”Seaver continued:“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”Meanwhile, Reba McEntire was among the many stars who paid tribute to Dolly Parton following her death. In a social media message, she thanked the singer for her music, love, and generosity.“There will never ever be another you.”She also said she would cherish every memory and every note Parton had played and sung.McEntire later reflected on the first and last conversations she shared with Parton, saying she would always hold their final conversation in her heart.“I’ll never forget the first time I met you and I’ll never forget our last conversation. I will always love you.”She recently paid tribute to Parton through a dedicated performance at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 14, where she sang Parton’s Appalachian Memories.McEntire also wore Parton's personal jewelry for the performance and closed the tribute with the emotional words:"I love you, Dolly, very much."