The 2025 Emmys paid tribute to several beloved series on Sunday night.

Amid cast reunions for Gilmore Girls, the Law Order franchise and others, the show honored The Golden Girls on what was the 40th anniversary of the beloved NBC comedys premiere, on Sept. 14, 1985.

Reba McEntire and Little Big Towns Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman took the stage to pay tribute to the show by singing the iconic theme song, Thank You for Being a Friend. They performed in front of a re-creation of the shows also-iconic kitchen set where the four women, played by late actresses Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty would gather to talk about their lives, their loves and more. As McEntire appeared on stage, she pointed to a photo of the four stars hanging on the wall and said: Singing it for the girls.

It was an instant classic, Emmys host Nate Bargatze said in introducing the performance. It was a little edgier than people might remember. Growing up, I was not allowed to watch the Blanche parts, he added, referring to the shows most risqu character, played by McClanahan. The trio then presented the award for best supporting actress in a comedy series, which went to Hannah Einbinder for her performance in Hacks.

The Emmys tribute follows on the heels of another 40th anniversary tribute to the comedy series over the summer. That event, which was part of themonthlong Pride LIVE! Hollywood festival,made headlines as creatives opened up about the bitter feud between Betty White and Bea Arthur. (The Hollywood Reporterwas the presenting media sponsor ofPrideLIVE! Hollywood.)

The 2025 Emmys aired live on CBS and Paramount+. See the full list of Emmy winners and the red carpet arrivals.