Vanessa Williams misses her late mother "tremendously"

Speaking to Stylist magazine, Vanessa said: "Not only did she make a huge impression on me, but she influenced so many of the people she taught as a school teacher. She was an absolute force and I miss her tremendously."

The singer and actress had to resign as Miss America in 1984 after nude photos of her were published in Penthouse magazine and felt that the scandal gave her an "immediate jump" into adulthood.

The Ugly Betty star said: "In 1984, aged 21, I resigned as Miss America.

"I'm working on a documentary to explore every angle of it, but it was an immediate jump into becoming an adult."

Meanwhile, Vanessa explained that she would be happy to relive the births of her children - Melanie, 38, Jillian, 36, and Devin, 32, from her marriage to Ramon Hervey, and Sasha, 25, from her relationship with second husband Rick Fox - as giving birth was the "best gift" of her life.

Asked if she could experience one day in her life again, the Colors of the Wind singer said: "It's tough because every time I gave birth was the best gift I've ever had.

"So I would say those four days - the opportunities to give life have been incredible."

Vanessa says she is concerned about the current political climate in the US as "freedom and justice" are under threat.

She explained: "I turn on the news and watch liberties being taken away from US citizens on a daily basis: it's scary."

However, Williams is confident that the power of the "human spirit" can help the world overcome its current challenges.

The Desperate Housewives star said: "Despite the chaos and tumult happening worldwide, it never stops the human spirit for peace, humanity, ease and community. That's what we have to remember: love is number one."