The Stars Remembered During the Ceremony

Rolling Stone • September 15, 2026 • entertainment

Key Points:

The Emmys held a tribute segment honoring notable TV stars who passed away in the past year, including Catherine O’Hara, Rob Reiner, Dolly Parton, and others, with Noah Kahan performing "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
Macaulay Culkin, Dan Levy, and Annie Murphy paid heartfelt tributes to Catherine O’Hara, highlighting her warmth, humor, and lasting impact on fans and colleagues.
Rob Reiner was specially recognized posthumously for winning Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Bear, with Jamie Lee Curtis praising him as a beloved legend and friend.
The Television Academy maintains an In Memoriam page listing industry professionals who died during the year, and the Emmys ceremony was hosted by Mariska Hargitay, with The Pitt leading nominations.