2025 Emmys Celebrate 40 Years of ‘The Golden Girls’ with Star-Studded Musical Tribute

At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, the entertainment industry gathered to celebrate television’s brightest stars and lasting cultural icons. Among the evening’s most anticipated moments was a tribute to "The Golden Girls," commemorating the 40th anniversary of the sitcom’s premiere—a show long cherished by queer viewers for its humor, progressive themes, and unapologetic celebration of friendship and chosen family .

Country icon Reba McEntire, joined by Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town, took to the recreated kitchen set of "The Golden Girls" to perform the show’s iconic theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend.” The performance was lauded for its emotional resonance and perfect harmony, with the trio singing in front of a backdrop featuring portraits of the original stars—Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, and Estelle Getty .

Before beginning the song, McEntire addressed the enduring appeal of the show and its legendary cast, remarking on the importance of friendship in both Hollywood and life, a theme that resonates deeply with queer audiences who have often found community and affirmation through chosen family .

Since its debut in 1985, "The Golden Girls" has held a special place in queer culture, often cited for its progressive storylines addressing issues such as same-sex marriage, HIV/AIDS, and ageism. The show’s camp sensibility and depiction of strong, independent women living together have made it a staple of queer media consumption and a frequent subject of drag performances and pride events. The Emmys’ tribute acknowledged this legacy through both the musical performance and the set design, which recreated the warmth and intimacy of the sitcom’s kitchen—a familiar symbol of acceptance and open dialogue. The segment underscored the show’s ongoing importance and its role in fostering conversations about inclusion and representation .

For queer communities, “The Golden Girls” endures as more than entertainment—it is a cultural touchstone that exemplifies the power of friendship, unconditional support, and visibility. The Emmys’ tribute amplified these themes, with Reba McEntire’s comments reinforcing the importance of forming supportive networks in all walks of life .

McEntire enjoyed another stellar moment when she confided on the red carpet that she and Rex Linn are now engaged.

Elsewhere in the awards show, "Gilmore Girls" stars Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham reunited to present the Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series statuette from a set re-creating one of the show's inconic locales. The moment regonized the 25th anniversary of the queer fan favorite series.