Jane McDonald has opened up about the “very, very hard” realities of the showbiz industry, breaking down in tears as she discussed the struggles she has faced throughout her career. The 63-year-old singer and presenter, who has captured hearts with her talent and charisma, admitted to being the “underdog” fighting for success in an industry filled with challenges.
In her latest Channel 5 series, Jane McDonald in Nashville, the singer explores the sights, sounds, and stories of the iconic home of country music, Nashville, where she recorded her new album Living the Dream. During the first episode, Jane made her way to the legendary Blackbird Studio to record, a place known for hosting famous artists like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Mariah Carey.
In an emotional moment, Jane shared: “All of my life I’ve sort of been the underdog. Never give up, if I’ve learned anything from being in Nashville, it’s just never give up. I fought all the way through. It’s been a struggle. I’m not going to lie. This industry is hard – very, very hard.”
Reflecting on her journey, Jane revealed how it took 27 years for her to embrace her true passion for country music, a genre she says has always been close to her heart. “For many years, people have been telling me I should be a country singer, and my dad always said, ‘You should be a country singer,'” she said. “But it’s only taken me 27 years to finally come round to doing what I maybe should have been doing all along.”
The show also highlighted Jane’s emotional breakthrough as she connected with the music and her personal story in Nashville. Yet, the tears flowed as she recounted her early rejection from the Eurovision Song Contest band Bucks Fizz, which she described as a “gut-wrenching” experience due to being rejected for her appearance.
Alongside the triumphs, Jane has faced personal heartache, including the loss of her beloved partner, Eddie Rothe, to lung cancer in 2021. In recent interviews, Jane has been open about the impact of her loss, revealing that grief stays with her but that she actively chooses joy and positivity in her life.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. Grief stays with you all the time, but what you have to do is sit it beside joy,” she shared.
The Living the Dream album, released in March, has been a major success, landing in the top five on the UK charts. As Jane continues to build her legacy in showbiz, her openness about her struggles and triumphs has resonated deeply with fans.
