The studio audience gasped as Reba McEntire revealed Dolly Parton’s shocking communication secret: “Sugar, she only takes faxes!” But behind this hilarious 2023 talk show confession lies a deeper truth; thirty years earlier, that same elusive icon became Reba’s lifeline in her darkest hour, proving some friendships transcend technology and time.
On Watch What Happens Live, Reba left Andy Cohen speechless by disclosing Dolly’s analog habits; no texts, no emails, just faxes. The punchline? Even Kenny Rogers couldn’t get Dolly’s number. Yet when Reba needed her most after the 1991 plane crash that killed several members of her band, Dolly miraculously appeared on the other end of a hotel phone within hours.
Reba McEntire Reveals Dolly Parton Only Uses Fax Machines | WWHL
Fans erupted online, memes of vintage fax machines flooded Twitter, but the laughter carried tears. “Of course Dolly faxes,” one tweet read, “Angels don’t need WiFi.” Others noted the beautiful irony; the woman who shuns modern tech became Reba’s emergency contact when digital devices would’ve failed to convey that depth of compassion.
And on the flip side we have ‘The Turn On The Radio’ which packs Reba’s signature sass into every frame but the song’s magic goes deeper. Its clever lyrics about revenge-through-music were co-written by pop hitmaker Shelly Fairchild, blending country twang with irresistible radio-ready hooks.
Reba McEntire – Turn On The Radio (Official Music Video)
A smash hit in 2010, Turn On The Radio became Reba’s 58th Top 10 country single. Critics praised its modern edge, proving she could evolve without losing her roots. Today, fans still call it “the ultimate breakup anthem with a wink.”
The #DollyFaxChallenge has fans sending appreciation letters via fax to Dolly’s office, while Reba’s team shares throwbacks to their duets. Follow @Reba for their upcoming Opry appearance where rumor has it, Dolly might just send a live fax to the stage, because some legends write their own rules of connection.