Jelly Roll fought back tears Tuesday night, trading his usual comedy for a tender goodbye to Dolly Parton, one that led straight back to his family’s Tennessee kitchen table.
The Grammy-winning country artist paused his guest-host monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday, August 25, to remember the music legend, who died earlier that day at 80. What followed was not a grand show-business story. It was a memory of Parton’s voice filling his family home.
Jelly Roll Remembers Listening to Dolly Parton With His Family
“We lost a legend today, the great Dolly Parton,” Jelly Roll told the audience during the Jimmy Kimmel Live! broadcast.
“She was such an inspiration to so many, myself included.” Both artists came from Tennessee, a connection Jelly Roll said made Parton’s death feel especially personal.
“We’re both from Tennessee, and she meant a lot to my family, y’all,” he said. “We used to sit around the kitchen table and listen to her music together as a family. I’ll never forget it.”
The “Save Me” singer said Parton’s example taught him lessons about songwriting, navigating the demands of the music business and giving back to the people who helped shape him. He added, “I learned so much from Dolly over the years about songwriting, how to handle this crazy business, and how to support your community.“
Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Roots Deepened Their Connection
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, grew up in the Nashville area. Parton was raised in Sevier County in East Tennessee, where her philanthropy later created educational opportunities, jobs and support for families.
He sent his love to East Tennessee and Sevier County during the broadcast by adding, “So, I want to send my love to East Tennessee and Sevier County right now, representing her.”
His admiration for Parton long predated Tuesday’s tribute. Jelly Roll previously called her his hero and said meeting her meant more to him than meeting the pope during an appearance on The Daily Show.
Jelly Roll Calls Dolly Parton ‘Adored by All’
Jelly Roll’s voice remained warm as he considered the rare place Parton held across music, entertainment and public life. “We love you, Dolly, and we miss you,” he said. “She was infinitely talented. She was relentlessly funny and adored by all.”
He then offered a line that captured Parton’s unusually broad appeal: “She might be the last American that everyone liked. We will miss her dearly.”
Jelly Roll closed with a nod to one of her most enduring songs. “Rest in peace, Dolly. We will always love you.”
Dolly Parton’s Death Followed a Brief Cancer Battle
GettyParton died at Nashville’s Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center following a “brief battle with cancer,” her representatives confirmed to People Tuesday, August 25. The type of cancer was not disclosed. She was surrounded by loved ones.
Her official website said an immediate-family service would be held privately.
The family asked supporters to donate to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library instead of sending flowers.
Before returning to comedy, Jelly Roll shared one of Parton’s familiar reminders: “If you see someone without a smile today, give them yours.” He promised to follow her example by trying to make the audience smile.
On a late-night stage built for jokes, Jelly Roll’s most affecting moment came from somewhere quieter: a family gathered around a kitchen table, listening to Dolly.
