Richard Madeley became visibly emotional on Wednesday's Good Morning Britain as he recounted an interview with the late Dolly Parton. The country music icon's death at the age of 80 was announced Tuesday.
Madeley, 70, recalled the interview, which took place via satellite during his and his wife Judy Finnigan's tenure as hosts of This Morning. His voice cracked as he began to share the anecdote, prompting co-host Ranvir Singh to offer a comforting touch. Madeley had first met Parton in 1999 and interviewed her again in 2001.
He shared a humorous moment from the interview where Parton quipped, "Nothing grows in the shade honey!" in response to Madeley commenting on her small feet. Madeley suggested this demonstrated her spontaneous wit, contrasting with the perception that her one-liners were always scripted.
"She had a real sharp wit, she was as smart as a whip," Madeley stated. Co-presenter Richard Arnold added that Parton possessed "grit and wit" honed by her upbringing, describing her as a "verbal gymnast" with "incredible" lyricism. The presenters nicknamed her the "Dolly Lama" for her wisdom.
Parton's passing followed a "brief battle with cancer," according to a statement from her representatives to People magazine. The statement noted her career was dedicated to bringing "joy, laughter, hope and integrity" and highlighted her extensive philanthropic work, including the Imagination Library and funding vaccine research.
Her death was initially confirmed in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver. According to TMZ, Parton was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Friday with autoimmune and kidney problems before her death on Tuesday morning.
Seaver described his aunt as having "lived in the light" and suggested she was now in the company of her late husband Carl Dean and other loved ones in heaven.
Parton's career spanned six decades, with signature hits including "Jolene" and "9 to 5." In recent months, she had withdrawn from several public appearances, including a Las Vegas residency and the opening of a new ride at her Dollywood theme park. Her last public appearance is considered to be a video message shared at the Dollywood park opening in August.
Her sister Freida Parton had previously asked for prayers for the singer last October, though later clarified Parton was merely "a little under the weather."