Simpson pulls Parton tribute song

Jessica Simpson fled from the stage

Singer Jessica Simpson has pulled out of a tribute to Dolly Parton after she was unhappy with her second attempt to perform Parton's hit song 9 to 5.

Simpson got the song's words mixed up during a tape of the annual tribute show for the US Kennedy Center Honors.

She recorded it a second time but was again unhappy and asked for it to be removed from the tape.

"She really wasn't happy with her performance," said Simpson's spokeswoman Cindi Berger.

"She did want it to be perfect for Dolly, who she idolises," she added.

Simpson fled the stage after getting flustered during the first take.

Reality TV fame

"We appreciate the time and energy Ms Simpson put into this event and respect the high standards she has for herself and that of the Kennedy Center Honors," said the programme's producer, George Stevens Jr.

The annual show, which will air in the US on the CBS channel on Boxing Day, will also honour theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, conductor and musical director Zubin Mehta, singer Smokey Robinson and film-maker Stephen Spielberg.

Simpson, who is also an actress, released her debut album in 2000 but found worldwide fame when her marriage to singer Nick Lachey became the subject of MTV reality show Newlyweds in 2003.

The couple divorced earlier this year after nearly four years of marriage.