Alex Jones Recalls Dolly Parton's Bare-Faced Beauty in Dressing Room

Alex Jones, host of The One Show, shared a personal anecdote about meeting Dolly Parton backstage before an interview. In a conversation with Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2, Jones described how Parton, known for her glamorous wigs and full makeup, was 'still absolutely striking' without any makeup and with her hair undone. Jones, who has hosted The One Show for 16 of its 20 years, was called into Parton's dressing room as a young host. Parton greeted her warmly, saying 'Come in darling... come and sit.' Jones watched as Parton transformed into her stage persona, noting that Parton was 'so comfortable in their own skin' and 'at ease with herself.' Jones praised Parton's self-confidence, saying 'In her heart she is just gorgeous.' The anecdote was part of a discussion about Jones's most memorable guests for the show's 20th anniversary. Jones also defended her 'old school choices' on Kay's program Tracks of My Years, including Parton's '9 to 5' and Glenn Medeiros' 'Nothing's Going to Change My Love for You.' She explained that the Medeiros song reminds her of happy childhood holidays in west Wales, riding in a VW camper van with her sister. Parton, who is said to be 'tickled pink' about her Welsh roots, has appeared on The One Show previously, including a 2016 segment with host Dan Snow.