Reba McEntire’s NBC Sitcom 'Happy’s Place' Plans Special Dolly Parton Tribute for Día de los Muertos Episode

A Special Tribute on NBC

Reba McEntire’s NBC sitcom Happy’s Place is set to honor the late music icon Dolly Parton with a special dedication in an upcoming Día de los Muertos-themed episode. Titled "Skeletons in the Closet," Season 3, Episode 2 of the series will air on October 30 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

According to production details, the episode incorporates the traditions of Día de los Muertos—a holiday celebrated to honor and remember deceased loved ones. In the storyline, characters Bobbie (played by Reba McEntire) and Isabella (Belissa Escobedo) place a photo of Happy on their ofrenda while navigating unresolved feelings about their late father. The broadcast will conclude with a dedicated in-memoriam card reading, “In memory of Dolly Parton. We will always love you.”

Filming Coincided with a Loss

Reba McEntire shared that the cast and crew were actively filming the episode on the day Parton passed away on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer. "It just felt like the right thing to do as our way of honoring her," McEntire said. "The episode is all about remembering those we love who have passed on, and we will always love and remember Dolly."

Parton’s passing has led to widespread tributes across the entertainment industry, including McEntire's performance of Parton’s 1983 song "Appalachian Memories" at the 78th Primetime Emmys in September.

Episode Details and Guest Stars

Aside from the tribute, the upcoming episode features several plot developments for the regular cast. Emmett (Rex Linn) attempts to avoid Halloween pranks orchestrated by Gabby (Melissa Peterman). Additionally, Justina Machado returns as a guest star, reprising her role as Maritza, the mother of Isabella.

Practical Implications and Verification

Readers interested in verifying the original announcement, scheduling, and photographic previews can consult the source coverage provided by [Deadline](https://deadline.com/gallery/happys-place-dolly-parton-tribute-reba-mcentire-photos-nbc/).

• What is confirmed: Happy’s Place will air its Día de los Muertos episode "Skeletons in the Closet" on October 30 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, featuring a closing tribute to Dolly Parton.
• What is unknown: Exact details of how the tribute will be integrated into the narrative beyond the closing in-memoriam card remain to be seen during the broadcast.