Lainey Wilson Calls Dolly Parton a ‘Dear Friend’ During Sydney Visit

Lainey Wilson may be in the middle of a major international run, but when it comes to career milestones, few moments top being able to call Dolly Parton a friend.

Appearing live in studio on Nova 96.9’s Ricki-Lee & Tim in Sydney, Australia, on Monday morning (Feb. 16), the Grammy-winning country star reflected on her growing bond with the country icon, describing the relationship as both surreal and deeply meaningful.

“It’s insane. She has become a dear friend, which is also weird for me to say,” Wilson said when asked about working with Parton.

Wilson went on to praise Parton not just as a performer, but as a business force and industry trailblazer. “The way that she has, like, continued to pave a path and I mean, she’s an incredible human businesswoman, like, she’s just got it going on,” Wilson added.

That tour stop brought Wilson to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday night (Feb. 15), where she said the crowd delivered one of the most intense reactions she’s experienced.

“Honestly, it was probably one of the loudest shows that I’ve ever seen,” she said. “They were singing songs that I normally see, like 75% of the crowd singing.”

Wilson admitted it took her until 2 a.m. to wind down following the performance. “To tell you the truth it does take me a long time to come down,” she said, describing the post-show quiet as a “weird feeling” after performing in front of thousands.

“I pick up people’s energy so much, I kind of feel like the whole show is an energy exchange,” Wilson explained. “It’s like, I’m putting it out there and they’re giving it back.”

While in the studio, Wilson also joked about one aspect of the recent Grammy Awards ceremony she’d like to see improved.

“Tiny little tables! I was like come on Grammys… give us a bigger table,” she said with a laugh, referring to the cramped seating arrangements at the awards show.

Wilson continues her Australian dates this week before returning to the U.S. for additional tour commitments.