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Comedian and actor Rob Brydon attending a media event
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Rob Brydon Kicking Himself After Bailing on Dolly Parton Chat

The 'Gavin and Stacey' favorite passed on interviewing the country icon at Dollywood for his BBC travel show — and he deeply regrets it.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

Rob Brydon is nursing a major case of professional regret, and he only has his own past decision-making to blame. The beloved *Gavin and Stacey* actor has revealed that he previously turned down an opportunity to conduct an interview with country music queen Dolly Parton — a choice he now deeply wishes he could take back. The Welsh comedian and presenter skipped out on the monumental sit-down while shooting his travel series for the BBC. His television project, titled *Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip*, saw the star heading across the Atlantic to immerse himself in American country culture and explore some of its most storied destinations.

Did Rob Brydon Turn Down A Dolly Parton Interview?

Comedian and actor Rob Brydon attending a media event
Comedian and actor Rob Brydon attending a media event

As part of his itinerary for the BBC program, Brydon made a high-profile stop at Dollywood, the famous theme park established by the country legend in Tennessee. While visiting the world-renowned location, the production had the chance to secure a conversation with Parton herself. Yet, despite the rare invitation to chat with the multi-Grammy-winning superstar behind classics like "9 to 5" and "Jolene," Brydon ended up passing on the offer. Choosing to forgo a conversation with one of pop culture's most universally cherished icons proved to be a decision that would haunt the British star long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Dolly Parton in a white jewelled outfit
Image caption, Dolly Parton's Welsh connections had been revisited by staff at Conwy council's archives

Why Was Rob Brydon At Dollywood For The BBC?

An illustration of a ginger cat falls asleep on a pile of dirty washing
Image caption, The Cat in the Cupboard follows Crumble the ginger cat on his garden adventures

Looking back on the filming process, the veteran entertainer is fully owning up to the misstep. Brydon expressed strong remorse for declining the interview, admitting that walking away from an encounter with Parton was a massive mistake during his time in Tennessee. His travel series, *Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip*, focuses on the comedian as he takes viewers on an entertaining tour of country music heritage. While audiences watching the BBC series will get to see Brydon soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Dollywood, they will have to accept that Parton herself won't be sharing the screen with him. Passing up an audience with music royalty is never easy to live down, especially when you are standing right in the middle of her namesake theme park. Brydon may be famous for his quick wit and sharp comedic timing, but missing out on Dolly Parton is one move he clearly isn't laughing about today.

The photos · 4

Comedian and actor Rob Brydon attending a media event
Image caption, Dolly Parton's Welsh connections had been revisited by staff at Conwy council's archives
Image caption, The Cat in the Cupboard follows Crumble the ginger cat on his garden adventures
Image caption, Brydon (third from left) is best known for his role as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey

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People also ask

Why is Rob Brydon expressing regret over Dolly Parton?
The comedian revealed he turned down an opportunity to interview Dolly Parton while filming his BBC travel series at Dollywood, a decision he now deeply regrets.
What is Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip?
It is a BBC television series featuring Gavin and Stacey actor Rob Brydon exploring American country music heritage and famous sights like Dollywood.