IN two decades of being a showbiz journalist I’ve interviewed all manner of celebrities, from the diva-ish and rude (often reality TV contestants and so-called comedians) to the magnetic and awe-inspiring (Lionel Richie and Taylor Swift).

But my 15-minute phone call with country singing legend will stand out in my mind as one of the most surprising.

Dolly Parton performing at the Glastonbury Festival in a white, rhinestone-studded outfit.The Sun on Sunday’s Hannah Hope reveals Dolly Parton was one of the most inspiring and surprising interviews Credit: Getty Dolly Parton poses in a red and black outfit.The country icon died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer Credit: AP

When I found out my interview with in August 2016 to promote her new album was going to be over the phone, I was disappointed.

After all, at the time she was a 70 year old woman and this was before the days of Zoom, I was worried that I wouldn’t get such a rapport with her if we weren’t meeting in person.

Fortunately, I couldn’t have been more wrong, as soon as she called me , quick wit and signature Southern drawl sprang from the receiver and she instantly captivated me.

She was less pensioner and more pocket rocket.

Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean sitting together on a couch.Dolly with her late husband of almost 60 years Carl Dean Dolly Parton speaking to the crowd at the grand opening of Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop.Dolly said ‘intimacy’ was the secret to her successful marriage to CarlCredit: Refer to source

Unlike many stars, she was extremely open and willing to answer all of my (very nosy) questions about , family and ageing in the public eye.

But what was most shocking is that she actually asked ME questions too (which is almost unheard of in the journalist/celebrity repartee).

Upon discovering I had never been to she gave me the hard sell insisting that I had to go to try the food and experience the music.

She also imparted some timeless wisdom when I quizzed her about the secret to her successful relationship with , who at that time she had been married to for an impressive 50 years.

Dolly Parton in a white lace dress with hands on her hips, smiling.Dolly was also open to Hannah’s questions about plastic surgery, family and ageing in the public eye Credit: Getty Dolly Parton in a denim jacket and patterned shirt, looking upwards.The legendary singer spent more than 65 years in the music industry Credit: Getty

“It’s important to stay intimate.” she told me.

“It also helps when you’re not together all the time. There’s enough space and distance to keep it exciting.”

As a married woman myself now I can only imagine what the late, great was alluding to…