Richard Madeley became emotional during a special Good Morning Britain tribute programme dedicated to Dolly Parton, remembering a past encounter with the country music icon.
Co-hosts Ranvir Singh and Richard Madeley presented the tribute on Wednesday (August 26), hours after the announcement of Parton's death. The singer-songwriter's passing was confirmed in a video posted at her request on Tuesday (August 25).
Parton's Pre-Recorded Announcement
Parton had asked her nephew, Brian Seaver, to share her death announcement with fans in a video recorded "years ago." In the clip, Seaver said: "It is an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus." He ended the video by saying, "She will always love you."
Tributes poured in from around the world, with several GMB guests sharing their affection for Parton during the morning show. Early in the live broadcast, Madeley became emotional as he recalled meeting Parton on the set of This Morning years ago.
Madeley's Emotional Recollection
After an old clip was played, Madeley said: "That was an interview via satellite, a live interview, from a few years ago. Judy and I first met Dolly on This Morning." Visibly emotional, he choked back tears, saying "Excuse me," as co-host Ranvir Singh offered support. "Two secs," he added, composing himself before continuing.
He went on: "She was so funny, and halfway through the interview, she kept putting her little legs out, sticking her legs out. And I looked, and I said, 'God, you've got really small feet, haven't you?'" Singh laughed, replying: "Typical Richard Madeley!" Madeley continued: "And [Dolly] went, 'Nothing grows in the shade, honey!'"
The studio erupted in laughter, with Madeley noting he did not think Parton had ever used that line before. "A lot of people think her one-liners were crafted, and I suppose some of them were, but that was spontaneous," he added. "She had a real sharp wit, she was smart as a whip."
Fans React to Tribute
Entertainment reporter Richard Arnold agreed: "Honed from her upbringing, absolutely. We nicknamed her the Dolly Lama amongst our group of friends because she had so many gems and pearls of wisdom."
GMB viewers shared their heartbreak online after seeing Madeley's reaction. One person wrote on X: "Richard Madeley says he once remarked live to Dolly Parton she had small feet. 'Nothing grows in the shade, honey,' came the brilliant reply. RIP Dolly." Another added: "Richard Madeley choking up over Dolly Parton has got me choking too. Truly, God bless her soul, her memory, and her great legacy of working class genius and kindness."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
