Dolly Parton’s “Islands in the Stream” is easily her most iconic duet, but we wanted to look beyond Kenny Rogers for some of her lesser known—but equally bad-ass collabs
Dolly and Willie
Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson joined forces on Johnny Cash’s TV special to declare “Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way).” The previously unreleased song was performed by the denim-clad duo while a group of children made watercolor paintings behind them.
Miss Piggy
It was all blonde wigs and pink lamé when Miss Piggy visited Dolly’s variety show. In the episode, Miss Piggy had decided to go country and looked to Parton for inspiration. Their duet was a match made in hog heaven.
Linda and Emmylou
In 1999, Parton reunited with her friends Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris for the album “Trio II,” delivering another round of delicious three-part harmonies. The album was the followup to 1987’s “Trio” and included both original and cover songs. The threesome’s rendition of Neil Young’s “After the Goldrush” is a favorite of ours.
Sly Stallone
Though he was at the height of “Rambo” and “Rocky,” Sylvester Stallone thought it’d be a good idea to swap his man tanks for a cowboy hat and fringed western shirt. The result was “Rhinestone.” Sly stars alongside Parton as a New York cabbie turned country star. (Think “My Fair Lady” but with banjos.)
Carrie Underwood
Dolly Parton is an idol to many country stars, and Carrie Underwood is no exception. Before their duet, Underwood told the audience, “If I could be anyone at all in the world, it would be incomparable Dolly Parton.” No one will ever be able to fill Dolly’s shoes (among other things), but the Queen of Country was kind enough to share the stage with Underwood on one of her most famous songs.
Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett co-hosted a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Parton supplied the picking, and Burnett supplied the schticking. Together, the women performed this number celebrating Nashville’s superior pickers for the Opry audience.
Dolly Parton on Getting Naked
If you want to hear Dolly solo from an unheard interview recorded back in 1978, check out our new animated interview.
