Alex Jones, longtime host of The One Show, has revealed what Dolly Parton looks like before she puts on her signature wig and make-up, describing the country music star as "still absolutely striking" even without her famous glamour. The presenter shared the memory while reflecting on her most memorable guests as the programme marks its 20th anniversary.
Jones first encountered the singer in a dressing room ahead of an interview near the start of her long tenure on the show. She recalled watching the transformation unfold in front of her.
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.
Speaking to Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2, Jones explained that as a young host she was invited into the singer's dressing room before any make-up had been applied.
She was like, 'Come in darling... come and sit'.
She had no make-up on, so it was before she becomes Dolly.
Jones went on to describe the unguarded moment, noting that the singer's appearance remained captivating even in its simplest form.
Her hair wasn't done, she was bare-faced and still absolutely striking, so beautiful.
The presenter said she had rarely met anyone so at ease with themselves, adding that the pair talked through practical matters as well as personal nerves.
We chatted about all sorts of things, what she was going to do in the UK, how long I'd been doing the show, was I nervous, how she deals with nerves, all of this.
Despite being observed during what many would consider a private moment, Parton reportedly showed no discomfort. Jones said the singer's self-assurance left a lasting impression.
She knows who she is and she is just very at ease with herself and I thought how amazing to be that self-confident, but in a lovely way.
In her heart she is just gorgeous.
Why is Dolly Parton's Welsh connection being mentioned?
The singer is said to be "tickled pink" about her Welsh heritage, a detail that surfaced during the pair's conversation and has added a personal dimension to the pair's long-running rapport on the show.
How does this fit into Alex Jones's broader story at The One Show?
Jones has now presented the programme for 16 of its 20 years on air, and her reflections on Parton form part of a wider look back at her career milestones. In separate comments, Jones has said she was too scared as a child growing up in south Wales to admit she wanted a career in television, a detail that adds context to her rise from a nervous newcomer to one of the show's most enduring faces.
What else has been said about Dolly Parton recently?
Separately from her appearance on the programme, Parton gave a health update during a 2026 appearance at Dollywood, telling those present she was "doing better" following recent health concerns, according to a national broadcaster's report. She has also made a surprise public appearance amid those ongoing health issues, according to another report from the same outlet, suggesting she has remained active despite the concerns.
What did Alex Jones say about her own musical choices?
Appearing on Kay's Tracks of My Years, Jones defended what she called her "old school choices", which included Parton's 9 to 5 alongside Glenn Medeiros' Nothing's Going to Change My Love for You. She said the latter song brings back memories of childhood holidays in west Wales.
I think it was the first time I'd fallen in love with a boy in my class and it just brings back happy memories.
What happens next for Dolly Parton?
Looking ahead, a musical based on Parton's life and work is scheduled to move to Broadway in 2026, marking a significant new professional milestone for the singer, according to footage shared online promoting the production. The show is expected to draw further attention to Parton's decades-long career as she continues to balance public appearances with her health.
Key Facts
- Alex Jones has hosted The One Show for 16 of its 20 years on air.
- Jones met Dolly Parton in a dressing room before an interview near the start of her hosting tenure.
- Parton is reportedly "tickled pink" about her Welsh roots.
- Parton gave a health update at Dollywood in 2026, saying she was "doing better".
- A musical based on Parton's life is scheduled to head to Broadway in 2026.
