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She’s dated George Clooney, gets gifts from Halle Berry and considers Michelle Obama her inspiration. The first lady of celebrity news, Access Hollywood’s Nancy O’Dell, dishes exclusively to BettyConfidential on her favorite people and her most exciting moment with Madonna.

On George Clooney:

“When I was single, George and I did have a connection, which started with work. I was between my divorce and my current husband [Keith Zubulevich] and yes, we went to dinner a few times! I clicked with George and we always got along so well. I think the world of him. It was difficult for me, because you get to learn so much about him off camera and you obviously can’t talk about it. You have to draw the line between friend and not reporter. Sometimes it’s difficult to do the correct thing.”

On Barack and Michelle Obama:

“I met the President briefly when I did a long sit-down interview with Michelle last year and I related to her so much with balancing career and family. She delivered one of my most memorable lines. She said being a working mom is just one big guilt trip. She said when she was off on the campaign trail she would be feeling guilty because the kids were at home but she knew if her husband was elected, it would make a huge difference in the world. Michelle said it is such a tough balancing act for working parents and you just want to do your best. Live in the moment and forget what you turn down and cannot do.”