Heartfelt Tribute on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In a poignant moment just hours after the announcement of Dolly Parton’s passing, Jelly Roll stepped in as guest host for another night of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, sharing the stage with fellow Tennessee star, Leanne Morgan. Their shared roots in Tennessee naturally led to a discussion about the profound influence of the country music icon on their home state.
Leanne Morgan Reflects on Dolly Parton
During the show, Jelly Roll posed a question to Morgan: “Did you ever get to meet Miss Dolly?” Morgan revealed that while she had not met Parton directly, she had interacted with her team. However, her daughter had a memorable encounter with the legend through her work with Make-A-Wish. “My oldest daughter, Maggie, worked for Make-A-Wish and facilitated a meeting with a young cancer patient and Dolly. Dolly has donated significant funds, transforming our East Hospital into the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital,” Morgan shared. “She means everything to us in Tennessee, and we are heartbroken to lose her.”
Dollywood: A Special Place for Both Stars
Living merely 30 minutes away from Dollywood, Morgan expressed her fondness for the theme park, stating she has a season pass always on hand. “I raised my kids at Dollywood. I take my grandbabies there regularly,” she noted. Jelly Roll echoed these sentiments, revealing that he too has cherished memories of visiting the park with his daughter during fall breaks and is now sharing those experiences with his son.
A Lasting Friendship
The conversation also touched on their friendship, starting from their first meeting at Toby Keith’s tribute concert in Nashville in July 2024. Morgan reminisced about their latest encounter at the Grand Ole Opry during Jelly Roll’s induction, expressing how meaningful it was for her to be a part of that moment. “That event was incredibly special for me. Thank you for always being there for me,” Jelly Roll said, showing his appreciation for Morgan’s steadfast support.
Honoring Dolly Parton’s Legacy
Earlier in the evening, during his opening monologue, Jelly Roll took a moment to honor Dolly Parton, reflecting on her immense influence on his life, family, and songwriting. He expressed his condolences to her hometown in East Tennessee and Sevier County, stating, “We lost a legend today, the great Dolly Parton. She inspired countless people, including myself. Her music brought my family together at the kitchen table, and I cherish those memories.”
Jelly Roll emphasized the lessons he learned from Dolly about songwriting, navigating the entertainment industry, and community support. “We love you, Dolly, and we’ll miss you. You were endlessly talented, hilariously funny, and beloved by all. Rest in peace, Dolly. You will always be cherished.”
Source: countrynow.com