Jamie Lee Curtis Breaks Down Honoring "Beloved Meathead" Rob Reiner

Rob Reiner Earns Posthumous Emmys 2026 Nomination for ‘The Bear’Jamie Lee Curtis is honoring the memory of those lost. The 2026 Emmy Awards paid tribute to Dolly Parton, Catherine O'Hara and more late Hollywood legends who have died throughout the last year during the awards show’s In Memoriam segment in Los Angeles Sept. 14. The emotional tribute—which featured Noah Kahan performing a heartfelt rendition of Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”—ended with Curtis honoring Cheers' James Burrows and Rob Reiner, who, along with his wife Michele Singer Reiner, was killed at his Brentwood, Calif., home on Dec. 14. "Last year we lost another cherished legend: our beloved meathead, Rob Reiner," Curtis shared onstage through tears. "Last week, Robbie won an Emmy for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his beautiful work on The Bear." And that win allowed Reiner to make Emmys history even after his death. "He now holds the record of 48 years for the longest gap between acting Emmys, which was previously held by his father Carl Reiner at 37 years," she shared. "He was generous and kind, and funny as hell, and a friend to all. And we all miss Rob and Michele, and all those we lost this year." Before the main Emmys ceremony—hosted by Mariska Hargitay—Reiner won a posthumous award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at the Sept. 6 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his performance as restaurant consultant Albert Schurr on season four of The Bear. (See the full list of winners, here.)Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty ImagesPresenter Wendi McLendon-Covey accepted the award on the late star’s behalf, telling the crowd—who gave Reiner a standing ovation—"We all wish he was here.” The touching win marked Reiner’s first Emmy since 1978, when he picked up an Emmy for Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in All in the Family.Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesAlong with Reiner, Parton was also honored at the 2026 Emmys, with Sally Field and Reba McEntire taking the stage to honor the country icon. "If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one: Dolly Parton," Field shared. "It was my great good fortune to have worked with Dolly in a film called Still Magnolias and, over the years, I never stopped loving her." Parton—who won her first Emmy in 2021 for her work on Dolly Parton's Christmas On The Square Square—died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer.To see all of the stars who attended the 2026 Emmy Awards, keep reading…Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesAyo Edebiriin Chanel and Mikimoto jewelry. Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesShailene Woodleyin Balenciaga. Jesse Grant/NBCJulia Garnerin Loewe and Marco Bicego jewelry. Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesSarah Jane Nader & Brooks NaderKevin Mazur/Getty ImagesTiffany HaddishJesse Grant/NBCAllison Janneyin Pamella Roland. Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesHarrison Ford & Calista Flockhartin custom Paul Smith (Ford) and Zuhair Murad (Flockhart). Randy Shropshire/NBCEmilia Clarkein Prada. Randy Shropshire/NBCAmy PoehlerJesse Grant/NBCJulianna MarguliesAmy Sussman/Getty ImagesFlorence Pughin Vivienne Westwood. Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesJessica Williamsin Honor, Tyler Ellis bag, and Jessica McCormack jewelry.Randy Shropshire/NBCSterling K. Brownin Brunello Cucinelli. Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesPaul Anthony Kellyin Louis Vuitton and Vacheron Constantin watch. Randy Shropshire/NBCMichelle Pfeifferin Saint Laurent. Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesKaley Cuoco & Tom Pelphreyin Giorgio Armani (Pelphrey). Photo by LISA O'CONNOR / AFP via Getty ImagesLinda Cardelliniin Yara Shoemaker. LISA O'CONNOR / AFP via Getty ImagesSally Fieldin Akris.Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesSarah Snookin Cartier jewelry. AFF-USA/ShutterstockMichael J. Fox, Traci Pollan & Kids Sam Fox, Esme Fox, Aquinnah Fox & Schuyler FoxJohn Shearer/WireImageRhea Seehornin Louis Vuitton and Swarovski jewelry. Jesse Grant/NBC via Getty ImagesAwkwafinaRandy Shropshire/NBCMark Ronsonin Celine.Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesTyler James Williamsin Canali and Christian Louboutin shoes.LISA O'CONNOR / AFP via Getty ImagesGrace Gummerin Dior.Randy Shropshire/NBCYahya Abdul-Mateen IIin Dior and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesTed McGinley & Gigi Ricein custom Jack Victor (McGinley).Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty ImagesRosalind Eleazarin Miss Sohee.Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesMarisol Ribeiro & Marcello Hernandezin Prada (Hernandez).Jesse Grant/NBCIsabel Gravittin Alex Perry, Gianvito Rossi shoes and Sophia D jewels.For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App