The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards took viewers on a trip down memory lane, as this year’s ceremony included a special tribute celebrating four decades of “The Golden Girls.”
The hit sitcom debuted 40 years to the day on Sunday night, premiering Sept. 14, 1985 on NBC. Starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White, the acclaimed comedy series earned 68 Emmy nominations during its seven-season run, winning 11, including two victories for outstanding comedy series in 1986 and 1987.
“It was an instant classic,” said Emmys host Nate Bargatze while introducing Sunday’s tribute to the show, who described “The Golden Girls” as “little edgier” than people might recall: “Growing up, I was not allowed to watch the Blanche parts.”
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Following Bargatze’s introduction, Grammy-winning singer and actress Reba McEntire and Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman took the stage for a musical performance in honor of “The Golden Girls.” The country crooners teamed up to sing the show’s classic theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” which was originally written and performed by Andrew Gold (the version audiences heard on “Golden Girls” was a cover featuring singer Cynthia Fee).
“Singing it for the girls,” McEntire said while joining Fairchild and Schlapman on stage, which was transformed to look like the kitchen set from the show.
The trio then returned to the stage following the number, with McEntire continuing to share the love for the show’s stars, saying, “Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia, and Rose: iconic characters who we continue to love 40 years after they first graced our television screens.”
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“To the characters and the legends who brought them to life, thank you for being our friends,” added Schlapman, before the singers announced the winner of the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series category, which went to “Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder.
See the full “Golden Girls” tribute below.
Matt Juul can be reached at matthew.juul@globe.com.