Working with Dolly Parton ain’t all blonde wigs and sequins. Just ask the “American Idol” contestants who took on some of the songstress’s most beloved tunes this week and found out that singing a Dolly Parton song isn’t as easy as she makes it sound (which is probably why she became an American idol the old-fashioned way and they’re going to have to win a TV show).

Inspired by the “AI” mentoring sessions, we’ve rounded up a few of the most notable Dolly Parton pairings over the years, from Perez to Piggy. Our only regret is that her new album, “Backwoods Barbie,” doesn’t contain a duet by America’s two favorite blonde bombshells—Dolly and Barbie. Probably a wise move on both their parts.
 
Burt Reynolds
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” may not have been the family film of the 1980s, but it was the decade’s most successful movie musical, featuring Dolly’s mega-hit “I Will Always Love You” and a duet she wrote for herself and co-star Burt Reynolds called “Sneakin’ Around.” Burt’s singing may be more like inflected speaking, but with him in a towel and Dolly in a negligee, who’s really listening anyway?

Miss Piggy
Big hair, big mouths, big… personalities: With all that Dolly Parton and Miss Piggy have in common, it’s no wonder they performed together more than once on Dolly’s aptly named '80s variety show “Dolly.” The two Miss P’s even sported matching lacy and low cut dresses for a duet of “I’m a Hog,” fulfilling many a farmboy's fantasy.

Sylvester Stallone
The “American Idol” kids aren’t the first would-be songbirds to be led to greatness by Dolly Parton. In 1984’s “Rhinestone,” Parton starred as a singer (really working those acting chops) who mentors a tough-talking New Yorker played by Sylvester Stallone, (also stretching his talents) in the ways of country-western warbling. The film was a bust, but the soundtrack scored Parton two top ten radio hits, which is more than most of the “American Idol” contestants can say.

Perez Hilton
Parton’s reaction to Perez Hilton’s foray into the recording studio on “What Perez Sez: About Divas” proved that just because you’re a diva doesn’t mean that you can’t be tolerant of other people’s blunders. And that tapping acrylic fingernails together doesn’t inspire everyone to compose “9 to 5” on the spot.

Jessica Simpson
Despite running off stage in the middle of a botched performance of “9 to 5” at 2006’s Kennedy Center Honors recognizing Dolly Parton, rumor has it that the spokesperson for not-so-bright blondes, Jessica Simpson, may have landed a duet with the music world’s original “Dumb Blonde”. We just hope Dolly’s prepared to finish the song alone...

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