Carly Pearce has never been shy about her love and admiration for Dolly Parton. it was Parton who invited Pearce to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2021, and who Pearce continues to look to for inspiration. So it was an easy decision for Pearce, when she was asked to perform in Parton’s Pet Gala, unaware that accepting the invitation would ultimately lead to the “We Don’t Fight Anymore” singer being asked to collaborate with the Country Music Hall of Fame member.
“I’m obviously a huge Dolly fan,” Pearce tells E! News. “I used to work at Dollywood, and I’ve always just dreamt of a moment that I could sing with her. I was asked to be a part of it with my dogs, and I said yes. Then, what I thought was just a performance for me, ended up being a performance with Dolly, which is truly one of the greatest honors I could ever have.”
As Pearce continues to watch her own career grow and expand, it’s Parton who she considers the icon she most wants to emulate.
“I think she is the quadruple threat,” Pearce boasts. “That’s what I’ve always said. She is an amazing singer, an amazing songwriter, an amazing businesswoman, but she’s remained so humble, and has this heart that feels like your best friend.”
Pearce has often praised Parton throughout her career, who continues to be a proverbial North Star in everything Pearce does now.
“Dolly Parton has always been a huge inspiration in my life ever since I was a little girl,” Pearce previously told Hello! magazine. “She has taught me so much over the years from her kindness and the way she treats others, to her incredible songwriting and her ability to speak from the heart in all of her songs. Her impact on myself and country music as a whole is something I’ll always cherish.”
Already a busy business and music icon, Parton decided to add hosting the inaugural Pet Gala for one reason: to make people smile.
“I think everybody needs some fun in their lives,” Parton explained to Everything Nash. “We’ve been thinking about this for quite a while, and then the strike happened, so we had to put it on pause, but when we started our own Doggy Parton line of accessories and all, so that kind of kicked it into first gear to say, ‘Okay, let’s just go for it.”
As part of the Pet Gala, Pearce sings “9 to 5” with Parton, plus is part of an all-star ensemble to perform “Jolene.” Other artists appearing as part of Parton’s Pet Gala include Lainey Wilson, Chris Janson, Emily Ann Roberts and more. The two-hour special will air on CBS on Wednesday, February 21, at 9:00 PM ET.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of CBS Entertainment
