Cliona to lead Dolly tribute on Late Late Show Country special

The Late Late Show Country Music Special is back for one night only this Friday night!

Patrick will be joined by Cliona Hagan and some of Ireland's biggest country music stars to celebrate the life and legacy of music icon Dolly Parton. They'll share stories of her inspirational career, her connection to Ireland and they'll perform some of her most beloved songs.

Cliona is married to South Westmeath musician Simon Sheerin and the couple is among those behind the new Mary Mc's gastro bar on Athlone's Church Street.

American singer-songwriter Ashley Campbell, direct from Nashville, the daughter of the late, great country music legend Glen Campbell, will also take part. Ashley will talk of her special love for Ireland, touring with her dad and her memories of Shane McGowan popping by backstage. She'll also perform a rendition of Gentle On My Mind.

Country music sensation Nathan Carter will perform his new single, Walk on Faith, from his new album, Doing Alright. Nathan will also share his future plans which include a career highlight - his first ever performance at Carnegie Hall in New York this Halloween.

And from music icons to up-and-comers - Jesse Sludds will be back in The Late Late Show studio. Jesse was the winner of The Late Late Show Opening Act competition back in April and went on to open for Shania Twain at Thomond Park in Limerick in July in front of 25,000 people. Jesse will announce the release of his new single Dear Home and give an update on life since winning the competition.

Una Healy, who launched The Late Late Show Opening Act search earlier this year and was part of the judging panel, will drop by for a chat and will treat viewers to a performance of one of the biggest country crossover hits of all time, alongside Clodagh Lawlor and Claudia Buckley.

As well as this, the newest inductee to The Late Late Show Country Music Hall of Fame will be surprised on the show tonight.

Also appearing on the night will be Jimmy Buckley, Sandy Kelly, David James and Trudi Lalor.

All this and lots more on The Late Late Show, Friday night at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.