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Rob Brydon, well-known for his role in *Gavin and Stacey*, has expressed regret over turning down an opportunity to interview the legendary Dolly Parton. The comedian was involved in the BBC documentary series *Honky Tonk Road Trip*, which explored the American South’s rich country music heritage during its centenary celebrations. As part of this journey, Brydon visited Dollywood, the theme park created by Parton herself. During his visit, he learned that Dolly’s family roots had connections to Wales, linking the Parton and Owens families.
Although Brydon was offered a chance to interview Dolly Parton after filming wrapped, he decided against it to continue a family holiday in Arizona. Looking back, he now wishes he had taken that opportunity as he never met Parton before her passing. Dolly Parton died peacefully in a Nashville hospital on 25 August after a short battle with cancer; she had been admitted just days earlier with kidney and autoimmune complications. Reflecting on this missed chance in an interview with Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, Brydon said, “I sort of regret it now. I kind of wish that I had gone back because I never met her.”
The interview with Owen also touched on Brydon’s own efforts in encouraging literacy among children, which echoed Parton’s commitment through her Imagination Library program. This global initiative sends free books monthly to young children up to five years old, promoting early childhood reading. Owen noted the parallel between Brydon’s encouragement of children to read and Parton’s philanthropy, describing it as “a really lovely circle.” Brydon agreed with this sentiment, admitting, “That hadn’t occurred to me, but yeah, you’re right.”
Aside from his work in television and radio, Brydon is stepping into children’s literature with his debut book *The Cat in the Cupboard*, set for release on 10 September. Designed for children aged five to seven, the story follows Crumble, a ginger cat, on his adventures in the garden and originated from tales Brydon created for his own children. The book is written entirely in rhyme, inspired by the moment when moving the cat flap led Crumble to enter the house through a cupboard, which sparked the catchy title. As a father of five ranging from 15 to 32 years old, Brydon drew on his extensive reading experience with his family in shaping the story. He described the influence of classic poetry like *The Owl and the Pussycat* on his work, and explained how teachers praised his use of more challenging vocabulary, such as the word “irascible” to describe the grumpy neighbour cat. “I just wanted everyone to be able to read it to their children,” he added.
Brydon also spoke fondly of his *Gavin and Stacey* co-stars Ruth Jones and James Corden, commending their writing partnership and expressing excitement about their upcoming comedy project *The Choir*. Although uncertain whether any of their group will appear, he confirmed that the cast remains closely connected through a lively WhatsApp group, sharing moments like birthday celebrations and staying in touch despite their busy lives
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