Dolly Parton is red carpet-ready

Move over, Reese, Keira, Felicity and Amy.
Make room for Dolly!
The Oscar red carpet just got a lot more fun: Dolly Parton’s gosh-durn Oscar gown is ready to go!
Parton, whose tune, "Travelin' Thru" from "Transamerica" is nominated for best original song, got her first Oscar nod in 1981 for the “Nine to Five” theme song. But she’s not the slightest bit nervous about attending the March 5 awards show or the Oscars' increased fashion focus these days.
“Listen, I’ve never been fashionable in my whole life and now is no time to start,” joked the petite blond country music superstar. “You know, when you’re a cartoon character, you can get away with wearing pretty much anything.”
But her gown has actually been designed by Robert Behar, Parton explained on the phone from her Tennessee home. “He’s a real designer. From Paris! He’s been doing my stage stuff for years. But this has been his lifelong dream to design a gown for the Oscars.”
Behar has actually designed two gowns for Parton. One to walk the red carpet and another for when she performs “Travelin’ Through” onstage. And the colors? “Probably pastel,” said Parton. “Maybe in the pink or lavender family. And Robert said that I had to wear real diamonds. I’m just a hillbilly going to the city. I was just gonna wear my costume jewelry. ‘Well, OK,’ I told him so he went ahead and got some from those folks who like to loan them out.”
She also told Behar to go ahead and get a week’s wardrobe together for her. “I have no idea what’s proper. Am I supposed to change clothes to go the parties? All I know is that they’ve got a bunch of stuff they want me to go to out there.”
And her date? That would be "Transamerica" director Duncan Tucker. “He’s gonna walk down the red carpet with me and that will really take the pressure off. I’m just gonna point to Duncan and say, ‘Talk to him! He’s the real talent. He wrote and directed the film and he’s getting the least attention of all of us!'”
Photo: Country music icon Dolly Parton will walk the red carpet on March 5 in a gown by her longtime designer, Robert Behar.
(Photo: Dennis Carney)

I can't wait to see Dolly!! I really hope that she wins.. I'm watching only to see DOLLY!! Go get 'em Dolly!!
Posted by: Arelis, a fan in Aruba | February 19, 2006 at 09:03 AM
Hope Dolly wins her Oscar! All America would love for her to get it. We love you Dolly!
Posted by: #1 fan | February 17, 2006 at 03:15 AM
As a life-long fan and more recently a Dolly impersonator, I am so thrilled Dolly is nominated for this honor, She is the ultimate talent in this business and conquered it without losing who she really is.... Dolly. I have had the good fortune to have met her many times thru the years and she is and always will be the sweetest, most down to earth celebrity out there! Bring Oscar home Dolly, we are all rooting for you here in Detroit!!!
Posted by: Jolene, the queen from Detroit | February 16, 2006 at 07:45 PM
I love Dolly - she is so real, so down to earth. She looks artificial, but is totally real. It will be a happy night not only for Dolly, but for her thousands of fans from all walks of life if she takes the Oscar home. From truck drivers, to Doctors, Waitresses to Lawyers, everyone who really "gets" Dolly loves Dolly.
Posted by: Ty Dean | February 15, 2006 at 05:47 PM
I may actually watch the Oscars just to see Dolly perform and ACCEPT a long overdue recognition of her talent, personality and overall WOWNESS!
Posted by: A new fan? not really | February 15, 2006 at 03:31 PM
Funny story, so in Dolly's voice. She's a hoot and I can't wait to see her cackling with Joan Rivers on the red carpet and, fingers crossed, give an acceptance speech. Dolly in diamonds and clutching an Oscar is enough to make my head explode (with happiness).
Posted by: Turtle | February 15, 2006 at 01:29 PM
MAYBE LIFE DOES BEGIN @ 60 .......GOOD LUCK DOLLY ! EVERYONE IS ROOTIN' FOR YOU !
Posted by: kevin lynch | February 15, 2006 at 12:20 PM
Dolly is going to light up that red carpet. Aside from being one of the greatest talents of American music, her laughter and funny remarks are going to be a blast at Oscar night. Finally the queen of country music is going to receive an Academy Award!
Posted by: Marcos Valenca | February 15, 2006 at 03:28 AM
I can't wait to see Dolly dazzle 'em at the Oscars. She is so underrated, yet everyone loves her. She deserves the recognition. It's about time. Dolly, I hope you win, and win over those Hollywood snobs. YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!
Posted by: A Dolly Fan | February 14, 2006 at 10:36 PM