Dolly Parton, queen of Country music, has partnered with Duncan Hines to create her own line of cakes and frosting mixes inspired by her Tennessee roots. She already has a “good-lookin” taste-tester in mind for the new products and a potential new duet partner – Country music superstar Keith Urban.
In addition to this sweet collaboration with Duncan Hines, Parton revealed that her love for Keith Urban and his work could lead to a project of their own in the future, after they enjoy a “big ole” slice of cake together.
When asked by Good Morning America, “if you could bake a cake and sing a duet with any artist, who would it be and why,” she responded, “Oh my goodness, that’s a really good question. Any of the good lookin’ ones. I love Keith Urban. I’ve always thought that he was one of the most talented and cutest guys in the world — I’m not trying to hit on him, because he’s got Nicole [Kidman] and who could beat that, she’s Jolene.”
“I love his writing and I just think he’s dear. He reminds me so much of my brothers and my own family from back home. He’s from Australia, but he has that feel of our mountain southern people — he’d fit right in,” she continued. “I’d be happy to make a big ole cake for him and spend all afternoon singing songs.”
She added that the Australian singer knows her music well and would sing her songs while he was back home with his friends.
“We love the same stuff. We could let Nicole sit over and listen to us sing. I’ll fix [the cake] and she can serve it and have a piece.”
Before they even hit the stores, the limited-edition kit consisting of coconut and banana cake mixes, two flavors of creamy buttercream frosting and several baking tools became available on Duncan Hines’ website on January 26 and sold out within the same day. Two recipe cards and a tea towel and spatula with the phrase, “if you are what you eat, then why not be sweet” written on it is included in the box, along with a personalized not from Parton herself.
“I’ve always loved to cook. Growing up in the South exposed me to that authentic Mom & Pop kind of cooking. Baking was no different. I had plenty of people to show me what’s what in the kitchen…my Mama, my grandmothers and my aunts were all wonderful bakers,” Parton wrote.
“They taught me everything I know, from biscuits and gravy to chocolate cake. Now I am proud to share some of those favorites with all of you,” she added.
The cake mixes and frosting in vibrant pink packaging will be sold for about $2 in grocery stores and mass retailers beginning in March, but those interested in the full southern-style kit can still be added to the email list to be notified when it is back in stock.
This is not the first time Parton has dabbled in confections. In April of last year, she also partnered Jeni’s Splendid ice cream to stir up her own flavor of ice cream, Strawberry Pretzel Pie, and later, she put together a “Holly Dolly” holiday baking collection with Williams Sonoma.
The “9 to 5” singer makes award-winning music and still finds the time to generate her own lines of sweet treats. Is there anything Dolly Parton can’t do?
Her fellow country music icon Urban is also keeping busy, as he just recently announced five new dates in the spring for “Keith Urban Live – Las Vegas” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
