AceShowbiz - Lainey Wilson is currently on a significant international tour, but one of her standout career moments has been forming a friendship with country music legend Dolly Parton.

During a live appearance on Nova 96.9’s Ricki-Lee & Tim radio show in Sydney, Australia, on Monday morning (Feb. 16), the Grammy-winning country artist spoke candidly about her evolving relationship with Parton, describing it as both surreal and profoundly meaningful.

“It’s insane. She has become a dear friend, which is also weird for me to say,” Wilson remarked when asked about working with Parton. Her admiration extends beyond Parton’s incredible performance skills, highlighting her as a pioneering businesswoman and industry leader.

“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, emphasizing Parton’s lasting influence in the music world and beyond.

The visit to Sydney included a stop at the Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday night (Feb. 15), where Wilson experienced one of the most energetic crowds of her career. “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.”

Reflecting on the intensity of the performance, Wilson admitted it took her until 2 a.m. to unwind. “To tell you the truth it does take me a long time to come down,” she explained, describing the quiet after performing in front of thousands as a “weird feeling.”

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

In a lighter moment during the interview, Wilson joked about the recent Grammy Awards ceremony, noting one aspect she'd like to see improved. “Tiny little tables! I was like come on Grammys… give us a bigger table,” she laughed, referring to the cramped seating arrangements during the event.

Wilson is set to continue her Australian tour dates before returning to the United States for further performances, building momentum in her rising career while cherishing the friendship she’s cultivated with one of country music’s most iconic figures.