Jelly Roll shared his thoughts on Dolly Parton while filling in as guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
“We lost a legend today,” he told the audience at Jimmy Kimmel Live following her death on Tuesday. “She was such an inspiration to so many, myself included. We’re both from Tennessee and she meant a lot to my family, y’all. We used to sit around the kitchen table and listen to her music together as a family. I’ll never forget it.”
He continued, “I learned so much from Dolly over the years about songwriting, how to handle this crazy business, and how to support your community. So I want to send my love to East Tennessee and Sevier County right now and representing her. We love you, Dolly. We miss you.”
The musician concluded, “She was infinitely talented. She was relentlessly funny. And adored by all. She might be the last American that everyone liked. We will miss her dearly. Rest in peace, Dolly. We will always love you.”
Parton died on Tuesday at age 80. Her team confirmed that the star faced a brief battle with cancer and died surrounded by her loved ones in Nashville. Parton’s nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death via a video announcement on Facebook.
“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” Seaver said. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness. But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”
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Since her death, the world has paid tribute to the singer. Everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Taylor Swift to Barack Obama has honored Parton, calling out her talent, her kindness, and her sense of giving.
Later on Kimmel, Jelly Roll sat down with actor and comedian Leanne Morgan. The pair shared memories of being from Tennessee, including visiting Parton’s Dollywood. “I raised my children at Dollywood,” Morgan said. “I have a Dollywood season pass in my wallet right now.”
