Parton pays visit to Wagoner

Dolly Parton has visited her former mentor Porter Wagoner in a Nashville, Tennessee hospital, and pledged to sing with him upon his return to the limelight.

The Jolene star - who is a frequent collaborator of Wagoner's - went to be by the country music icon's bedside on Friday, where he is battling for his life against an undisclosed ailment.

Parton, 61, urged Wagoner to keep fighting the illness so that they can grace the stage at the Grand Ole Opry together when he pulls through.

Jessie Schmidt, spokeswoman for the Opry, says: "(Parton) told him she'd be back to see him again, and would sing with him the first night he returns to the Grand Ole Opry.

"(He) had his wits (about him) and joked around."

Wagoner was hospitalised last year after suffering a stomach aneurysm.