ITV News presenter Mary Nightingale appeared visibly emotional as she announced the death of country music legend Dolly Parton during the ITV Evening News on Tuesday (August 25). The singer died at the age of 80, with the news breaking in a video requested by Parton herself.
Emotional announcement on air
Just before going to a break, Mary was visibly emotional as she announced: "Well, just before we go to the break tonight. Some very sad news, I'm afraid. The country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, and we will bring you more on that after the break."
As coverage returned to the studio, the tearful host said: "Hello and welcome back. Some breaking news we brought you just before the break. It's just been announced that the beloved American country singer and songwriter Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80."
Career tribute and viewer concern
ITV News' Arts Editor, Nina Nannar, then looked back at Dolly's remarkable career in a heartfelt segment. After the tribute aired, Mary tried to control her emotions, saying: "And take a deep a breath," before continuing to read the headlines.
The emotional segment didn't go unnoticed by ITV viewers, who were quick to share their concern for the host. "Hope your newsreader is OK, she genuinely looked like she struggled to hold it together as this news broke. Sad news," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added: "Aw Mary Nightingale on @itvnews welling up as she broke the news just now. The world is a poorer place tonight."
A third said: "One of the most beautiful and genuine people this world has ever bestowed on the people. A real loss to so many. Even Mary Nightingale on ITV News was struggling from breaking the news to the end of the show."
A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: "Genuinely find it quite endearing how moved the news reader on ITV news is over the loss of Dolly Parton. It's making me also feel quite emotional, reminds me of my nan who we lost in 2023."
Further tributes across ITV
Mary wasn't the only ITV presenter to become emotional whilst discussing Dolly Parton on air, as Richard Madeley choked back tears live on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday (August 26). The host was supported by his co-star Ranvir Singh as he took a moment to compose himself, before sharing his memory of meeting the legendary singer.
In the video requested by the singer, Dolly's nephew, Bryan Seaver, said: "It is an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness."
