Dina Lohan: Lindsay Lohan Has 'Really Learned A Lot, She's Grown Up'

With her legal troubles behind her and a new role playing Elizabeth Taylor, Lindsay Lohan appears to have turned a corner and mom Dina Lohan couldn't be more proud.

Dina stopped by Access Hollywood Live on Friday, where she chatted with Billy Bush and guest co-host Lisa Rinna about her daughter and Lindsay's new role in the Lifetime movie, "Liz & Dick."

PLAY IT NOW: Dina Lohan Defends Lindsay Lohans New Elizabeth Taylor Role

"[She's] very prepared, she's very excited," Dina said of Lindsay. "She's so excited to do this and it's such an honor to play Liz Taylor."

Dina explained that she sees a connection between her daughter and the late screen icon.

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"There's so many similarities [between them] ... the tabloids, they attacked [Liz] as well," Dina continued. "She's really learned a lot, she's grown up a lot."

Dina explained why she has always come to her daughter's defense publicly, but revealed she's wasn't a pushover behind closed doors.

"This town is tough... Lindsay is 25, so it's for her to talk about her demise, or whatever was going on at the time," she told Billy and Lisa. "I felt as a mother, yes, I'm going to protect my children publicly, privately, I kick their butts. I'm a single mom, of course I do!"

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Dina also spoke about Lindsay's dinner with Woody Allen last weekend, explaining that the director has been a longtime suppor! ter of h er daughter.

"He has her back, which not many people have," she said of Woody, noting they've met up many times prior to last week. "It was a normal business meeting and friendship."

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As for her Mother's Day plans - she'll be spending it with Lindsay - Dina said she's leaving it up to her daughter.

"Lindsay will plan something," she added. "She's good at that and she'll dress me."

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