Tom Selleck Recalls Dancing with Princess Diana at White House State Dinner, Replacing John Travolta

In his new memoir, "You Never Know," Tom Selleck shares a memorable encounter with Princess Diana at a White House state dinner in 1985, where he was asked to intervene in her dance with John Travolta to prevent rumors.

Tom Selleck's new memoir, "You Never Know," reveals a special encounter he shared with Princess Diana at a White House state dinner in 1985. The actor was one of three celebrities invited to the event, which was hosted by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan in honor of the princess and then-Prince Charles.

In his book, Selleck recalls feeling "anxious" while waiting to meet the royals, but upon meeting them, found Princess Diana to be "charming and graceful and beautiful." He also noted Charles's rare ability "of making you feel like you were important to him in your moment together."

After dinner, the guests moved to the East Room for music and dancing. President Reagan danced with Princess Diana, while Charles danced with Nancy Reagan. John Travolta and the princess also took to the dance floor, prompting an unexpected request from a White House aide.

Selleck was approached by a woman who told him, "Mr. Travolta and the princess are dancing for a second time together. We can't have that. We don't want to start rumors, do we?" After both Selleck and Clint Eastwood, who was also present, met her with silence, the woman added, "Mr. Selleck, you must step in and replace him."

Selleck's initial response was, "'I'M NOT CUTTING IN ON JOHN TRAVOLTA!' probably in too loud a voice." However, the woman persisted, saying, "Very well. The next dance, come with me."

True to his word, Selleck danced with Princess Diana when the next song began. He admits to being nervous about his dance skills, but was thankful "it was a slow number."

"Princess Diana was lovely, and there was a very shy quality about her in spite of her being well schooled in the art of conversation," Selleck writes in his memoir. "I gotta say she seemed to be having the time of her life. I was relieved she talked most of the time. Let's just say it was not my finest hour as a conversationalist."

Meanwhile, Selleck's wife at the time, Jillie Mack, was dancing with Prince Charles. According to Selleck, Charles thanked Mack for the dance and said, "I was so happy you rescued me. All of Nancy's friends kept stepping on my toes."

"The prince asked Jillie for a second dance," Selleck writes. "Clint took over for me, and I got to dance with my friend Nancy. She was relaxed, and I was relaxed. They were playing a song from the 1940s. I wish I could remember what it was, because Nancy was quietly singing along. What a nice way to end the evening."

Selleck's encounter with Princess Diana provides a glimpse into the life of a woman who captivated the world with her charm and grace. His memoir offers a unique perspective on a remarkable moment in history.