Joe Piscopo Remembers Dolly Parton and Their Unforgettable 1987 Performance of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘I’m on Fire’

Angela AndaloroThu, August 27, 2026 at 6:30 PM UTC

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Dolly Parton and Joe PiscopoCredit: The Dolly Show -

Dolly Parton had her own variety show, Dolly, which aired from Sept. 27, 1987, to May 7, 1988

In one episode, actor Joe Piscopo impersonated Bruce Springsteen and joined Parton to perform “I’m on Fire”

Piscopo recalled spending that day with the late country music icon in an interview on Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia

Joe Piscopo will never forget his day with Dolly Parton.

The entertainer, 75, got the chance to spend a day with the late country music legend while appearing on her former variety show, Dolly, in 1987. Piscopo recalled getting ready to perform with Parton in a 2025 interview with Nostalgia Tonight, which resurfaced as the world continues to mourn Parton’s death at age 80.

Piscopo told host Joe Sibilia about working on comedy and music with Parton, an opportunity that came about because the two shared the same manager at the time.

Their big performance was based on Piscopo’s popular Bruce Springsteen impression, and they decided to perform the rock star’s song “I’m on Fire” as a duet.

Joe Piscopo in May 2022Credit: Rob Kim/Getty

“I said, ‘Well, why don’t I light myself on fire?’ ” Piscopo remembered. He shared that the singer was on board right away, replying, “Yeah, light yourself on fire. That’s funny.”

Piscopo worked with the production crew to put protective material underneath his costume before applying small amounts of flammable liquid on his arms. As they sang together, the flames ignited and the crowd laughed at the gag.

“And then at the end, you know, we just went up in flames,” Piscopo said. “And it was great. She loved it.”

What struck Piscopo was how amazing Parton sounded singing the song, despite the fact that they didn’t do much preparation for the performance itself.

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“I thought she should have recorded this song,” he shared, adding, “She sang it and just owned it.”

Of all the success Parton had in the years following their 1987 performance, Piscopo marveled, “What a magnificent career. What a magnificent gal. She’s a great, great example of everything that’s great about the United States of America.”

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Dolly Parton in November 2023Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty

The legendary singer-songwriter and country music icon died at the age of 80 on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

In a November 2025 cover story, Parton opened up to PEOPLE about her then-upcoming 80th birthday. She reflected on her impact and intentions in the industry.

“I’m at that point in my life where I just want to be able to do good things that can be carried on. I’m proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people,” Parton told PEOPLE at the time.

“You know, I have just been going so fast my whole life,” Parton added. “And I just start thinking, ‘How in the world did I even have a life? How did I even get it done?’ I really realized when I was putting this book together just how much I had sacrificed in my life. I never had children, so at least I didn’t have a guilty feeling. I’m thankful that I got to see my dreams come true.”

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”