Stage and screen legend Julie Andrews visited The Today show June 29 to discuss the upcoming release of Despicable Me 3, as well as her excitement for Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, arriving in movie theatres December 25, 2018.

“I’m a huge fan,” Andrews said of Emily Blunt, who will take on the role of the titular magical nanny in the upcoming sequel. She added that Blunt has the original Mary's stamp of approval: “I give it wholeheartedly... I love her. She’s real, and fun, and very talented.”

Andrews also shared her passion for arts education and funding, as displayed on her Netflix children’s series Julie’s Greenroom. “You can’t bring the arts too soon to kids,” she said. “The arts are the first thing in schools that are cut in terms of funding. Everybody struggles. It’s worse than it ever was now.”

Watch Andrews’ interview with Hoda Kotb below.