The acceptance by the Rev Ian Paisley of an invitation to launch Dana Rosemary Scallon's autobiography was hailed as "historic" by her husband Damien yesterday.
Mr Scallon told The Irish Timesthat it was "a very significant gesture" by Dr Paisley.
"Things have moved on in the North and everybody is delighted about that. It is historic, given that Dana is from the Bogside and Dr Paisley from Ballymena. He is being very generous in doing this," he added.
The book, entitled All Kinds of Everything, will be launched by the North's First Minister at a ceremony in Stormont on November 6th. Published by Gill & Macmillan, it has been ghost-written by Dublin-based journalist Ken Murray, political correspondent of Independent Network News.
Galway-based Ms Scallon, who is currently visiting the US, is best known for winning the 1970 Eurovision song contest with a song which is now the title of her her book. She is also known for her involvement in politics in the Republic. She is an uncompromising advocate of traditional Catholic values.
Mr Scallon said that his wife was very friendly with Dr Paisley's daughter Rhonda. "Dr Paisley and Dana worked closely together in the European Parliament on economic, life and family issues," said Mr Scallon.
It is understood that the approach to Dr Paisley was made by Dana's brother John Brown.
The invitation list of 250 people will include friends, celebrities and associates from North and South.
Mr Scallon said that the hardback book will deal with Dana's life, "from birth to the present time".
Ms Scallon shot to national prominence with her Eurovision win as an 18-year-old schoolgirl.
