Dolly Parton Is Going to the Dogs! Her Fur-Powered ‘Pet Gala’ Special Hits Airwaves (Exclusive)

These are universal truths: everyone loves Dolly Parton. And everyone loves dogs.

Could there be anything else to match their love? Yes, as it turns out, there is: dogs dressed like Dolly Parton.

You don’t need to take our word for it. See the wonderful evidence for yourself Dolly Parton’s Pets Galaa two-hour special that airs Wednesday night.

The Dolly-inspired, fur-fueled fashion show takes place only in the late hours of the broadcast and is definitely worth the wait – not that there isn’t a sublime mix of musical entertainment and dog fashion leading up to this climactic moment.

On the pink carpet before taping the series at a Nashville studio earlier this month, Parton explained that the idea for the series came from her pet clothing line, Doggy Parton, which she launched in August 2022.

Dolly Parton at Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala.

Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty

Dolly Parton introduces Doggy Parton, a new line of clothing, accessories and toys for dogs

“I just loved doing something that had dogs in it,” she told PEOPLE, “because everybody loves their animals. Dogs really are man’s best friend.”

Although Parton herself doesn’t currently own a dog, she said dogs have been a part of her life since she grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee. “We had yard dogs,” she recalled. “I’ve been with dogs since I was born.”

These days, her best furry friend is Billy the Kid, a French bulldog owned by her manager Danny Nozell who she considers her “god dog.” Billy was also the inspiration for Parton’s children’s book 2023. Billy the Kid succeedswhich was highlighted in one of the segments of the TV special.

Parton opens the show with something no Dolly fan will want to miss: a rare performance of “Puppy Love,” her first recorded song. She was just 11 years old when she wrote it with her uncle, Bill Owens, and two years later produced it as a single in a studio in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“Puppy Love” by Dolly Parton, 1959

The first of five runway shows follows immediately, featuring leashed dogs of various sizes and breeds trotting to show off their fashion. Actress and comedian Jane Lynch, who gave an unforgettable turn as dog handler Christy Cummings in the beloved mockumentary Best in showis available to provide color commentary before the live audience.

Jane Lynch at Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala.

Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty

So what is it about humans that makes us dress up our dogs?

“Well, I think you just love them,” Parton said before the performance. “You just want to see how cute they look.”

Indeed, Avery, Cinnamon, Finn, Lala, Lemon, Suri and the other dog models are all adorable in their chosen outfits. Each of the fashion shows has a different theme — patriotism and rock ‘n’ roll, for example — but it’s clear that the pièce de résistance is the Dolly-inspired collection.

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Parton herself joins Lynch on stage to watch her life pass before her eyes on four legs. Fashion homages include Parton’s childhood coat of many colors, her duet years with Porter Wagoner, her transformation into a movie star 9 to 5 and The best little brothel in Texasand her memorable performance in 2014 in front of an audience of 180,000 at Glastonbury in England.

No fashion detail was spared, including blonde wigs and ample cleavage. (Among their many attributes, dogs are exceptionally good athletes.)

PEOPLE’S favorite dog is Dolly.

Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty

Interspersed throughout the catwalk shows are pre-recorded segments glorifying the world of dogs, many featuring celebrity owners such as Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell and Kristen Chenoweth. Social media superstars Doug the Pug, Pooch of NYC, Noodles the Pooch and Tika the Iggy appear live, and Rachel Smith of Party tonight he is ready to interview their owners.

Kelly, Chris and Willie Janson at Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala.

Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty

A series of musical performances also take center stage: Chris Janson channels Elvis for “Hound Dog,” and his family dog, a two-year-old bloodhound, lazily joins him. “By the way, this is my real dog, Willie,” announces Janson, who also performs brand new single “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get.”

Harry Wayne “KC” Casey, of KC and the Sunshine Band, is on hand to sing the fun classic “Boogie Shoes,” and Parton throws the spotlight on lively up-and-coming folk-pop artist Joy Oladokun, who turns in a stunning performance ” If You Got a Problem”. Seventeen-year-old guitar phenom Grace Bowers also gets her moment to shine on stage, providing accompaniment on the runway.

Dolly Parton and Joy Oladokun at Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala.

Jon Morgan/CBS via Getty

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Dolly show without her signature hits, and she doesn’t disappoint. Lainey Wilson was included in a duet on “I Will Always Love You,” and Carly Pearce joined Parton on “9 to 5” and “Jolene.”

On the pink carpet, Pearce, who worked as a member of the Dollywood theme park band as a teenager, beamed in anticipation of her chance to finally perform with her idol. “To be able to do that with two songs that have been in my set since I was 15 — it’s wild and truly an honor,” she told PEOPLE.

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She revealed that in rehearsals, the two artists settled on a version of “9 to 5” that Pearce has performed over the years. “Dolly loved it and wanted to do it, so it was crazy,” Pearce said. “She’s just as wonderful as anyone would think. There is something magical about her, and working with her was such an emotional experience for me.”

Pearce is a famous dog owner; her two Shih Tzus, brother and sister Johnny and June, often appear on her social media and have accompanied her on the pink carpet. However, they did not enter the TV show.

“We tested them and they don’t like the drums,” Pearce complained of the band on stage. “But they’ll be on the sidelines cheering mom on.”

Pearce is proudly among the millions of dog owners who have fun dressing up their pups. “I actually bought a few outfits for Doggy Parton,” she revealed, “never thinking I’d ever be in a show with her.”

Dolly Parton’s Pets Gala airs at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST Wednesday on CBS. Paramount+ subscribers with Showtime will have access to live streaming through their local CBS affiliate on the service as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will have on-demand access the day after special broadcasts.

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Source: HIS Education