Lainey Wilson joined forces with country music icon Dolly Parton to perform a duet of “I Will Always Love You” during Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala. The country superstars took to the stage for a breathtaking rendition of the legendary tune.
Watch Lainey Wilson And Dolly Parton Performance of “I Will Always Love You” Below
Wilson, donning an all-white sequin ensemble complete with a sparkling silver top, gazed into Parton’s eyes with admiration as she allowed her soothing vocals to be put on full display.
Parton, wearing a white outfit with gold accents, offered backing vocals during the beginning verse of the tune before joining Wilson on the chorus. Together, the pair flawlessly combined their soaring vocals during the song’s iconic chorus.
Wilson and Parton Previously Collaborated
This isn’t the first time Wilson and Parton sang together. The pair of hitmakers previously recorded a cover of “Mama He’s Crazy” for The Judds’ star-studded tribute album, titled A Tribute To The Judds, which arrived on October 27, 2023. The collaboration was a dream come true for Wilson, as she has been talking about her desire to collaborate with Parton for many years, and has even previously dubbed Parton her “biggest inspiration.”
In August 2023, Parton brought Wilson to tears when she surprised with her a special message, letting her know how “proud” she is of her. Since then, Wilson has had the opportunity to rub elbows with Parton several other times at events in Nashville.
Lainey Wilson first met her musical hero, Dolly Parton, during the 2023 ACM Awards, when Parton presented her with the trophy for ACM Female Vocalist Of The Year. “It was the most surreal moment… It was like, I mean, one of the biggest moments of my life for two different reasons,” Wilson explained during an interview with Access Daily. “She was just everything I imagined and more. They say don’t meet your heroes, but she’s just got a heart of gold. I think if we were all a little more like her, the world would be a much better place.”
Wilson, who has been an avid fan of Parton since she was a little girl, even paid tribute to the “Jolene” singer on her debut album, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, with a song titled “W.W.D.D. (short for What Would Dolly Do).”
Everything You Need to Know About Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala
Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala will feature exclusive performances by some of the biggest stars in music, including Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson, Joy Oladokun, Grace Bowers, KC of KC And The Sunshine Band, and more. The show will also present a one-of-a-kind runway, showcasing the best in doggy fashion, spotlighting some of Parton’s most iconic looks. The pups starring in the show will also be seen wearing dazzling outfits from the “9 to 5” singer’s Doggy Parton pet collection.
“I have hosted or co-hosted many shows throughout my career, but I have never been more excited about co-hosting a show than I am about being part of this pet gala!” Parton shared in a press release. “I love animals. I’ve got all kinds, and of course, I’ve always had little dogs around, and big ones! We’re going to have some of all kinds and colors on the show, and there is nothing more fun to me than when little animals do what they do best, and I’m looking forward to it! There is so much fun stuff, and I know all the animal lovers out there are going to love this show.”
Who Is Performing?
Co-hosted by Parton alongside award-winning actress Jane Lynch, the two-hour special promises a slew of unforgettable performances and surprise guests. Performances will include Dolly Parton and Pearce singing “9 to 5,” Parton and Wilson performing “I Will Always Love You,” and Parton and Pearce anchoring “Jolene,” turning it into a show-stopping group performance.
Chris Janson will also take to the stage during the special to perform “Hound Dog” with his beloved hound dog, Willie, as well as an upcoming new single.
Special Guests Appearing On Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala
Young Sheldon’s Iain Armitage, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell, Kristin Cavallari, Kristin Chenoweth, Margaret Cho, Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose, Neil Patrick Harris, Carson Kressley, Jim Nantz, Jessica Simpson and Tigirlily Gold will also make special appearances during the show.
In addition to the star-studded roster of performers and guests, Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala will also feature viral dogs such as Doug The Pug, Pooch of NYC, Noodles the Poodle, Tika the Iggy, Squid the Facility Dog and more.
Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala will air on Wednesday, February 21, at 9/8c on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*.
