Jelly Roll honors Dolly Parton on ‘Kimmel Live’, calls her ‘last American that everyone liked’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jelly Roll mourned the passing of Dolly Parton while guest-hosting ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on Wednesday night, August 26.

During his tribute, he even called the late icon “the last American that everyone liked.”

Parton was 80 when she died on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer in Nashville, Tennessee. Her death was confirmed by her team, as well as her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in a social media video.

Jelly Roll remembers Dolly Parton’s lasting influence

A day later, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, remembered Parton during the live TV memorial, saying, “We lost a legend today, the great Dolly Parton. 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,” the Grammy winner stated.

The 41-year-old rapper further shared how Parton influenced his life and career.

“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. Representing her,” he said.

Concluding his tribute, Jelly Roll said, “We love you, Dolly, and we miss you. 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,” the ‘Save Me’ hitmaker added.

Dolly Parton called Eminem ‘the very best’

Jelly Roll’s tribute came after a number of Hollywood A-listers expressed their devastation over the tragedy.

Eminem revealed via a social media post that Parton had written him a sweet note after their 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, despite not meeting him in person.

The late singer had called the rapper “the very best” and even added that she’s “always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.”

Eminem, in the caption, shared that he “never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it. Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon.”

“A superstar in every sense. Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words,” the record producer added.