Sheryl Lee Ralph performs the Black National Anthem at Super Bowl LVII

Sheryl Lee Ralph says she only wishes her late parents were living to witness her recent accomplishments: Her first Emmy for “Abbott Elementary” and a Super Bowl pregame performance.

“My parents always believed in me and my success,” she said, according to the Associated Press. “I know this would’ve been something they would love to have been a part of. I do miss them.

Ralph hit this Sunday’s Super Bowl stage to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The other pregame performances included country music star Chris Stapleton, who sang the national anthem, while R&B legend Babyface performed “America the Beautiful.” Rihanna is the featured halftime performer.

Last year, the 66-year-old Ralph won an Emmy as a first-time nominee for best supporting actress in a comedy for her role as Barbara Howard on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” which also stars Quinta Brunson. In her acceptance speech, she bellowed powerful lyrics about being an “Endangered Species” by Dianne Reeves to implore others to never give up on their dreams or aspirations.

“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was written by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900. Originally written as a poem, then sung as a hymn in churches, it eventually became referred to as the “Black National Anthem.”

It was first performed in February 1900 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. It was later adopted by the NAACP and sung during the Civil Rights Movement.