The One Show's Alex Jones has paid tribute to Dolly Parton, recalling an intimate encounter that even the star's closest friends never witnessed. Dolly, known for hits including Jolene and I Will Always Love You, died aged 80 on August 25, 2026, following a cancer diagnosis, her representatives confirmed.
Final interview and family confirmation
In her final interview, released on August 21 with People magazine, Dolly revealed she had neglected her own health while caring for her husband Carl, who died in 2025. "As I've shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," she told the magazine. She added: "It's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health."
Her nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: "I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now. It is an honour, an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness." He continued: "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton, because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."
Alex Jones's private moment with Dolly
Weeks before Dolly's passing, Alex Jones was interviewed by Vernon Kay for the podcast Tracks of My Years, marking 20 years of The One Show. Alex recalled meeting Dolly for the first time: "People ask very often who's your favourite guest? And that is a difficult question, isn't it? But I think Dolly Parton stands out."
She described how a producer invited her to meet Dolly early, and Dolly invited her to sit. "She had no makeup on. So it was before she'd become Dolly. She's very open in the fact that she wears a lot of wigs. And so her hair wasn't done. She was bare faced, still absolutely striking, so beautiful."
Alex added: "I've never, ever come across a person so comfortable in their own skin. And she started Dolly-fying in front of me as we were chatting... And in front of me, she transformed into Dolly. And I thought, how special that? We all know her as this vivacious, very made up, beautiful woman. But actually, she was equally striking and equally impressive because she is just a nice person. In her heart, she's just gorgeous."
Public reaction and final arrangements
Vernon remarked that few people had experienced such a private moment. Alex agreed: "It is a private moment. And I can honestly hand to my heart say that if I didn't know somebody well, I wouldn't be that comfortable with going through that process while we're chatting. But she knows who she is."
A snippet of the interview was posted on TikTok by BBC Radio 2, with many commenting. One person said: "Dolly was literally an angel. So lovely that nobody is saying a bad word about her, if only we could all be a bit more Dolly." Another noted: "Jane Fonda noted that her and Dolly are very close, but she's never seen Dolly out of makeup and wig. This is actually a really special moment." A third said: "In Tennessee, I can't tell you in words how proud we all are of Dolly. We all beam when we speak of her. She's a Tennessee gem."
Dolly's representatives said that at her request "a small, private service will be held for immediate family" and that supporters could make donations to her charitable Imagination Library in her memory.
