Dolly Parton inspires new "DOLLYPOP" art exhbit...

I want to give a shout out to the group art show DOLLYPOP, a celebration of all things Dolly Parton. Opening Friday, the exhibition features over 40 artists' imagery of the larger-than-life country legend as you've never seen her before.

The show at World of Wonder Storefront Gallery (6650 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood), includes a portrait of Dolly made entirely of chewed bubblegum, an original Dolly gouache by famed New Yorker illustrator Robert de Michiell, and a Dolly painting by Bubbles The Artist (aka famed songwriter and Friends theme-tune scribe Allee Willis). The opening reception will also feature Dolly-inspired performances, and the occasional live chicken.

Co-curated by E! Online columnist Marc Malkin and Steven Corfe, DOLLYPOP celebrates Dolly Parton and the debut of the years-in-the-making Broadway musical adaptation of 9 to 5, which has its world premiere on Sept. 3 at L.A.'s Ahmanson Theatre.

Marc, who I just saw Sunday working the VMAs, said in a statement: "Dolly Parton is a true genius. She is an American poet who, no surprise has had a career that has spanned decades. We all have our own image of Dolly and this show collects all those images, thoughts and inspirations into one big and well-deserved tribute to the goddess who we call Dolly Parton."

The opening night reception is Friday, Sept. 12 from 8pm to 12am. The party includes art unveilings, performance pieces and an open champagne / vodka bar. The show closes Wednesday October 8. The artworks are available for purchase Tuesday through Saturday, from 9am - 6pm.