Wiggle Up, Giddy Up!

Wiggle Up, Giddy Up! A Glittering Country Jamboree: Dolly Parton Joins The Wiggles for Historic Collaboration & Global Tour

By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

Hold onto your cowboy hats, folks, because The Wiggles have just delivered a musical rodeo of epic proportions! In a collaboration that’s as delightful as it is unexpected, the beloved children’s group has teamed up with the legendary Dolly Parton for a groundbreaking double single release, paving the way for a star-studded country album and a massive international tour. “Friends!” and “Counting 1 to 5” are just the tip of the iceberg, signaling a joyous, educational, and downright fun new chapter for The Wiggles.

“Friends!” penned by Dolly Parton herself, is a heartwarming anthem of kindness and community, a tune that instantly feels like a classic. Parton’s signature warmth and storytelling shine through, making it a perfect fit for The Wiggles’ message of inclusivity and friendship. Meanwhile, “Counting 1 to 5,” a playful reimagining of Parton’s iconic “9 to 5,” transforms the classic hit into an educational sing-along, proving that learning can be just as catchy as a chart-topping country tune.

Dolly Parton’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable. “Well, I just wiggled my way out into the Wiggles’ world!” she exclaims, and her infectious joy is evident in every note. Anthony Field, the Blue Wiggle, echoes this sentiment, calling Parton’s music “pure magic” and expressing the group’s excitement to share these songs with families worldwide.

For Red Wiggle Caterina Mete, this collaboration is a dream come true. A longtime Dolly Parton devotee, Mete even named one of her twin daughters after the country icon and sports a Dolly Parton tattoo. Her passion for Parton’s music adds a layer of genuine admiration to the project, making it feel even more special.

The double single release is a precursor to the highly anticipated album “Wiggle Up, Giddy Up!” released on March 7th. This country-themed album is a veritable who’s who of country music, featuring collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Orville Peck, Dasha, Morgan Evans, Jackson Dean, Kaylee Bell, MacKenzie Porter, Troy Cassar-Daley, The Wolfe Brothers, Travis Collins, Lucky Oceans, and even the late, great Slim Dusty. The album also features Parton on two additional tracks, “We Will Always Be Friends” and a tender cover of “Love is Like a Butterfly.”

The album’s track list is a testament to the sheer breadth of talent involved, blending classic Wiggles charm with the authentic twang of country music. From the title track, “Wiggle Up, Giddy Up!” featuring Dasha, to the playful “Cowboys and Cowgirls,” each song is a celebration of country life and the joy of music. The album also includes a great range of educational songs as well.

The album track list:

1. Wiggle Up, Giddy Up! (feat. Dasha)
2. Counting 1 to 5
3. Friends! (feat. Dolly Parton)
4. We’re the Cowboys
5. Friends of Dorothy (feat. Orville Peck)
6. Watching the Ponies
7. Hats, Boots, Ride!
8. Introduction to Let’s Ride!
9. Let’s Ride! (feat. Lainey Wilson)
10. Rock-a-Bye Your Bear (feat. MacKenzie Porter)
11. Standing in Line (feat. Troy Cassar-Daley)
12. Big Red Ute
13. Say the Dance, Boots ‘N All (feat. Kaylee Bell)
14. Cowboys and Cowgirls
15. Dorothy Doll (feat. The Wolfe Brothers)
16. Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Ute (feat. Morgan Evans)
17. We Pack the Ute to Go Camping
18. Here Come the Chicken
19. Someone Left the Gate Open
20. Lachy Sings, Lucky Swings (feat. Lucky Oceans)
21. Introduction to It’s Tough Being Three Years Old
22. It’s Tough Being Three Years Old (feat. Jackson Dean)
23. Calling All Cows (feat. Morgan Evans)
24. Bouncing Balls
25. I Love to Have a Dance with Dorothy (feat. Slim Dusty)
26. A Country Singer (feat. Travis Collins)
27. Pickup Truck Driving
28. What Does A Cow Do?
29. The Hokey Pokey – Western Style
30. We Will Always Be Friends (feat. Dolly Parton)
31. Love is Like a Butterfly
32. Wabash Cannonball

But the excitement doesn’t stop with the album release. The Wiggles are taking their country-infused tunes on the road with the “Bouncing Balls International Tour,” bringing their signature energy and fun to audiences across the globe. From March 2025, fans in Australia, the UK, USA, and Canada can experience the magic of The Wiggles live.

Bouncing Balls International Tour Dates (Starting March 2025): www.thewiggles.com/live

This collaboration marks a significant moment in The Wiggles’ illustrious career, proving their ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to their core values. With “Wiggle Up, Giddy Up!” and the “Bouncing Balls International Tour,” The Wiggles are set to bring joy, music, and a touch of country charm to families worldwide.