Counting 1 to 5: Dolly Parton teams up with Wiggles

Music legend Dolly Parton has teamed up with the Australian children's group The Wiggles in an unexpected collaboration.

The 79-year-old country icon has contributed to the Australian collective's star-studded upcoming album, Wiggle Up, Giddy Up!, penning and singing on the track Friends! and featuring on the original tune We Will Always Be Friends.

What's more Parton's 1980 classic 9 to 5 has also been re-imagined to Counting 1 to 5, in the name of education, while The Wiggles have covered the music legend's 1974 track Love is Like a Butterfly.

"Well, I just wiggled my way out into the Wiggles' world! I had so much fun being a part of this project, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we have," Parton said in a statement.

"Dolly's music is pure magic," Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said

"Getting to work with her on these songs is a dream come true. We can't wait for families everywhere to sing along and share in the joy."

Red Wiggle Caterina Mete, who has a Dolly tattoo and named one of her daughters after the singer, said: "Getting to work with my absolute musical hero is beyond surreal".

"Dolly has inspired me in so many ways, and I know these songs will bring so much happiness to families everywhere."

Both Friends! and Counting 1 to 5 are available to stream now on all major platforms, with Wiggle Up, Giddy Up! set to land on March 7.

The mammoth 32-song collection features huge country stars, including Lainey Wilson, Orville Peck, Dasha, and Morgan Evans.