Dolly Parton's 'Pet Gala' CBS special takes country, fashion, to the dogs

Dolly Parton joined forces with country stars, television favorites, and yes, two-dozen-plus dogs for "Dolly Parton's Pet Gala."

The program, one of the most feel-good broadcasts of country music's year-to-date, airs Feb. 21, from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Are you aware of the over 5 million Instagram followers between social media-famed dogs like Doug The Pug, Pooch of NYC, Noodles the Poodle, Tika the Iggy and Squid the Facility Dog?

Alongside country favorites like host Parton herself, Grace Bowers, CMT Next Women of Country 2024 class members Tanner Adell, Emily Ann Roberts and Tigirlily Gold, plus Chris Janson and Carly Pearce, they all walked the pink carpet beforehand.

The two-hour variety special features musical performances and a one-of-a-kind runway revealing doggy fashion -- both takes on Parton's iconic looks (think of her "ridiculous, yet sublime" performance at 2014's Glastonbury Festival, re-imagined) and embellished takes from the Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's Doggy Parton pet line.

Notably, revisiting her role as tastemaker dog trainer Christy Cummings in the 2000 film "Best In Show" is co-host Jane Lynch. Doggie runway correspondents for the program are reality TV star and singer Kelly Osbourne, plus Entertainment Tonight co-host Rachel Smith.

And yes, it also features KC of KC and the Sunshine Band.

It's Nashville, so rhinestones match with disco bling for a puppy-inspired take on "Boogie Shoes."

As someone who grew up surrounded by hounds and hunting dogs, Parton told The Tennessean that she felt that canines are as appealing to country music fans as iconic songs like her own 1970s-era hits "I Will Always Love You" (performed on the special with Lainey Wilson) and "Jolene" (which closes the program).

Parton's brand is driven by "fun, humanity and love." She hopes that the "Pet Gala" is "a ray of light" that helps television viewers forget about how "crazy, dark, and looney" society, in her opinion, has become of late.

"I have hosted or co-hosted many shows throughout my career, but I have never been more excited about co-hosting a show! Nothing is 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," added Parton in a press statement.

Carly Pearce adds canine companionship to shared connections with Dolly Parton

"My dogs are my world and Dolly is my biggest influence," says Carly Pearce to The Tennessean.

Famously, Pearce's country career began after she and her mother moved from northern Kentucky to the Dollywood amusement park's Gatlinburg, Tennessee home.

From 2006 to 2008, Pearce worked there for six shows daily, five days a week.

Pearce sings "9 to 5" with Parton on the special.

"My puppies, Johnny Cash and June Jolene, get to dress in Doggy Parton fashions while I'm singing one of [Dolly's] most iconic songs."

Pearce adds that her Shih Tzu puppies have brought her "joy and love" in the three years following her 2020 divorce from fellow country performer Michael Ray.

"Dolly's brand is everywhere and events like these show all of us [who aspire to her level of success] how to raise the bar," Pearce adds.

Songs, dogs, interactions steal the show

The show is stolen by a plethora of moments.

Joy Oladokun and Parton sharing the stage before the former singing her 2021-released "If You Got A Problem" feels not awkward but a colliding of brands and creative universes underpinned by the same level of relentless empathy.

Moreover, via a deft nod of the hat to Elvis Presley and the breakout pop stardom moment with his single "Hound Dog," Chris Janson's career evolved from a top-10 country hit every 18 months and Grand Ole Opry membership into something with broader appeal.

Yes, like Presley's Oct. 28, 1956 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, Janson appears singing the nearly 70-year-old hit with his bloodhound, Willie, sitting attentively on a platform near him.

The vocalist celebrating his latest No. 1 single, "All I Need Is You," noted that his bloodhound is a source of fun amid his constant touring schedule.

Janson exclaimed to The Tennessean that he was genuinely surprised Willie didn't bark or howl during the segment.

In addition to the previously noted guests, the show also features Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, Margaret Cho, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Dave Mustaine, Jim Nantz and Carson Kressley, among others.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dolly Parton, CBS special gives country, fashion a furry makeover