Good Morning Britain hosts Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh paid an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton during Wednesday's live show, following the announcement of her death at the age of 80.
Dolly's death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, with her team saying in a statement to CBS: "After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."
Hosts reflect on Dolly's legacy
During the programme, Ranvir said: "Let's talk about Dolly Parton. I wonder where you were last night when you heard that she had died at the age of 80, and whether you had a visceral response to it.
"I felt it physically in my body, and I wasn't expecting that. I sort of felt it as a boom, you know. She used her fame to support many causes, from childhood literacy - as you heard from one of our viewers this morning - disaster relief, championing the rights of the LGBTQ community, so many things."
Richard added: "I was saying earlier, I'm sure many of you had similar experiences. I came into the room, having not heard the news, to see my wife in floods of tears.
"I said, 'What's wrong? What is it?' And she said, 'Dolly's gone.' And it really did come as a blow, and it still feels like a blow, doesn't it?
"For generations of fans, this country music legend, which is what she was, was just more than an entertainer. She was an advocate."
Richard remembers meeting Dolly
This comes after Richard choked back tears on air, as he remembered meeting Dolly Parton on the set of This Morning. Earlier in the show, the host said, "Excuse me", as he tried to compose himself, before continuing with his memory.
Reflecting on how he felt on the morning of the interview, Richard added: "What I remember about knowing that we were going to interview her on that particular day on This Morning. You get to interview well-known people doing the job that you do, but it's rare [for] you [to] wake up with butterflies in your stomach and a sense of excitement, and saying to each other, 'We're interviewing Dolly Parton!'"
Viewers share their grief
GMB viewers were also left feeling emotional while watching the show. "Very sad that Dolly died, she seemed like a very genuine, lovely person," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added: "Aw, Dolly. Every time I hear Dolly's music, it reminds me of my grandad. He'd always listen to Dolly when we were out in the car. Love Dolly."
A third said: "It's so sad about Dolly Parton. I've got [her] music on cd Love her music," while someone else commented: "So sad to hear this. RIP Dolly Parton."
Dolly's death was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver on Instagram. "I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now," he said.
"It is an honour, 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." Bryan concluded by saying, "She will always love you." Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am.
