Television presenter Fern Britton has lost a treasured bracelet given to her by Dolly Parton during a recent trip to the BBC studios. She is now pleading for its return.
Britton, 69, reflected on her career interviewing numerous famous figures, from former Prime Minister Tony Blair to Cliff Richard. But one encounter stands out: her 2009 interview with Dolly Parton for the series Fern Britton Meets.... She was flown to Dolly's headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.
The special gift from Dolly
During the visit, Parton gave Britton a tour of her dressing room, wig room, make-up room and studio. Britton told the Daily Telegraph: "She was the most open, warm, funny, self-effacing, talented woman you could ever hope to meet."
At the end of the interview, Parton let Britton try on one of her dresses and then took a bracelet off her wrist. Britton described it as "pink rhinestones studded with diamonds." Parton gave it to her because it matched the pink dress Britton was wearing, saying: "Don't worry, it only cost about five bucks!"
The loss at the BBC
Britton said she "guarded the bracelet" from day one until she brought it to the BBC approximately a year ago. She explained: "Someone must have picked it up because I didn't have it at the end of the evening. So, if anyone out there is reading this and knows where it is, I'd like it back, please."
The series Fern Britton Meets also featured interviews with Desmond Tutu, Jesse Jackson and Sheila Hancock.
Personal reflections
In a separate conversation, Britton revealed her heart would "sink" when she heard a particular noise, calling it the "worst" aspect of marriage. She spoke of a "moment" when you "hear the key in the lock" and your heart sinks because things have been going badly.
Britton has been married twice: first to Clive Jones, with whom she has three children, and later to TV chef Phil Vickery, with whom she shares daughter Winnie. They confirmed their separation in 2020. She is now enjoying single life, telling Women's Weekly last year: "I'm in a good place, I feel that I've found the person that I used to be, and I'm enjoying life and having fun."
