Dolly Parton praised as 'humble' for sweet encounter with young fan on The One Show

Dolly Parton warmed hearts on last night’s episode of The One Show.

The country superstar, who is in town to promote the launch of new musical 9 To 5, appeared on the BBC show where she was interviewed by hosts Alex Jones and Greg James.

Fresh from her Grammys duet with Miley Cyrus that saw the pair perform “Jolene”, Parton kicked the episode off with a live performance outside the studio.

She eventually discussed her free book scheme, which began in the UK 25 years ago.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) works with local partners to gift books to young children across the world, and is now making new books available free to all children under the age of five living in Dublin.

On the show, Parton was introduced to five-year-old Teddy who is one of three million children to have been receiving the singer’s free books.

“I write songs about all those things too, so I bet you’ve heard some of those – and if not, you will,” she said, to laughs from the crowd. She went on to promise she would send him stacks of books when he exceeds the scheme’s age limit.

The country icon was praised for her sweet interaction with Teddy.

Parton also spoke about the body image issues affecting many young girls, saying that she worries about the extent to which celebrities are glorified by today's youth.

9 To 5 star Louise Redknapp will miss the opening night, which takes place at London's Savoy Theatre, due to a "nasty" fall in January.