Dolly Parton Hoping to Ease the Tension Between Pals Jane Fonda and Barbra Streisand After Oscars

Dolly Parton to the rescue! The country music legend is reportedly trying to calm her fiery friend Jane Fonda amid her ongoing tension with Barbra Streisand, insiders say.

As readers know, Fonda, 88, recently took a swipe at Streisand, 83, over her Oscar tribute to the late Robert Redford — pointing out she made four films with him, while Streisand starred with him only in The Way We Were. (A rep for Fonda denies a feud.)

Now sources claim Parton, 80 — who starred with Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 9 to 5 — is hoping to prevent things from spiraling further.

“Even on a good day, Jane can be cranky and combative,” says an insider. “She’s never been shy about sharing her opinions.”

According to the source, Fonda’s longtime friendship with Tomlin doesn’t always help matters. “They tend to egg each other on.” But the “Jolene” singer, known for her warmth and diplomacy, is said to be one of the few who can cool tempers.

“She knows how to soften the edges — especially with Jane,” the insider adds. “Sometimes you just wish Jane would take her advice and not create more trouble for herself.”