While a household name for decades, the singer, actress, host and activist has found her social media groove, dubbed by the internet as the hilarious queen of Twitter, where she’s gone viral for her blunt advice and wit. A quick Google search will turn up articles, including “The 26 Best Dionne Warwick Tweets of 2021.” In a time when the nation is divided and a pandemic lingers on, Warwick is on a mission to spread some much-needed positivity (alongside the occasional sass) to put a smile on people’s faces. We caught up with Warwick to discuss how social platforms have connected her to new generations, what she has planned for her second act and the secret to her boundless energy.
Many have labeled you the queen of Twitter, with your trademark sass. What have you gained (besides followers) by entering into the world of social media?
Twitter has been a great way to keep learning. It keeps me informed. It’s introduced me to quite a few youngsters, and we’ve become buddies. I’ve interacted with The Weeknd, Taylor Swift and Chance the Rapper, and as a result of my relationship with [Chance], we have a recording out now called “Nothing’s Impossible.”
How did you get started on the platform?
After watching my nieces and nephews giggling away at the app. I looked and was not pleased with the amount of bashing and ugly words that were being used, so I decided that the presence of a grown-up was necessary! I started an account and wanted to let kids know that there are ways to reach each other and say things with kindness. I tweet when I feel something needs to be said or when I find something that needs to be shared. When I go to the supermarket, people will say, “I saw your tweet,” which is fun. That’s what it’s all about. Nothing I do is ever given with a frown; it’s always with a smile. And I feel completely flattered that anyone wants to follow me. Hopefully, I’m living up to their expectations. To be considered a role model is a heavy burden at times because I make mistakes like anybody. I’m human like anybody. But I have tried to live my life the way that I would hope any youngster would want to live theirs.
How do you handle the excess eyes (and possibility of trolls) on you?
You get to a place in life where you don’t worry about what other people think. I’ve been pretty fortunate in that everything I’ve shared and posted online has been accepted the way it was given.
How did the pandemic affect your health and lifestyle?
During the pandemic, I realized that I needed rest. I used COVID as an opportunity to enjoy my house for a change. It’s the longest I’ve ever been able to sleep in my own bed and without housekeeping knocking on the door, asking if they can clean the room. My TV and I became good friends, as did my refrigerator and I. I like to cook and I’m not a restaurant person. I’m home so seldom it’s nice to be home and enjoy cooking, and I’m proud of everything I cook. I don’t have things I call healthy habits. I go to the doctor when she calls. I eat what I want to eat. I haven’t changed my diet, and while I don’t “exercise,” I suppose I get a workout on stage every night. Most of all, I keep a positive attitude and don’t allow stress into my life—it works for me.
Did you miss performing live?
I still love getting out on the road and doing shows. I love what I do, and having audiences show up is amazing. Music is a gift, and I’m always striving to use it the way I’m supposed to be using it.
When you’re traveling, what’s one self-care rule you live by?
Even though I’m often on the road, I try to speak to my friends every day. It’s great to stay in touch and have a support system. Everybody knows what I do and knows my schedule is not one that always allows me to be available daily. Sometimes it’s weekly, but that doesn’t really bother any of us. We understand and stay connected.
Is retirement in your future?
I’m definitely going to retire—I just have no idea when! But even then, I’ll still keep active and focus on other things. I have an interior design company that I’ll be paying more attention to. I usually say to my kids, “I make plans and God laughs.”
Where do you find laughter in your daily life?
I get my sense of humor from my family. We’re a bunch of crazy folks who love laughter. It really is the best medicine in the world. We take one day at a time like you’re supposed to, and it seems to work. My family [including sons David Elliott, 52, and Damon Elliott, 48] was always supportive, loving, giving and caring, and that’s all I ever knew and ever will know.
What are you watching lately?
If I can’t sleep, I turn on the TV. I found a channel called MeTV. And it’s wonderful. All my childhood shows are on like Perry Mason and Matlock and Gunsmoke. I also enjoy shows where I don’t have to think. I watch the Cooking Channel, HGTV, Hallmark Channel. I watch channels where I don’t have to do anything but enjoy.
What’s your wish for 2022?
That we all become human beings again. This chaos going on now just doesn’t make sense. Everybody’s gone through exactly the same thing. And it seems to have made people crazy. I’m hoping that we’ll get to the point where we understand that all the arguing is not doing us any good. We need to get back to being human and realizing that’s really what it’s all about.
There are several charities that you’ve supported throughout the years. Which are you working with now?
Right now, I’m very much involved with Operation Smile. I’ve been with Operation Smile since the late ’90s. They take care of babies, that’s basically their motivation. And those doctors who perform those magnificent therapies on new children with these problems, I applaud that. I did a benefit for them on my birthday last year.
You recently received a star at the Palm Springs Walk of Fame. What was that like?
Dan Gore, owner of Oscar’s Palm Springs, hosted a celebration for me, which was a fundraiser for a nonprofit called Caterina’s Club. It was an overwhelming feeling that I was even considered for a star. And this is my second one! I have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well. Both are really special honors.
