Country music artist Jelly Roll took a moment during his guest-hosting stint on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* to pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton. The renowned performer, who is a native of Tennessee like Parton, expressed his heartfelt admiration for her, highlighting the significant impact she had on his life and career.
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During his monologue on Wednesday, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, momentarily shifted from the comedic tone that characterised much of the segment. He addressed the audience with sincerity, acknowledging the recent passing of Parton, who had died at the age of 80 following a brief illness. This somber news had resonated deeply across the music community and beyond.
“When I say ‘big story on everyone’s heart and mind,’ I mean we lost a legend today,” Jelly Roll remarked, recalling his fond memories of listening to Parton’s music around the kitchen table with his family. “She was such an inspiration to so many, myself included. I’ll never forget it.”
Dolly Parton’s representatives confirmed her death on August 25, stating that she succumbed to cancer at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. There were no further details revealed regarding the specific type of cancer she had been battling. Her passing was announced via social media by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.
In a poignant moment during his tribute, Jelly Roll shared lessons he had learned from Parton throughout his career. He mentioned how she had imparted wisdom about songwriting and the importance of supporting one’s community, sentiments that resonated particularly with fans from East Tennessee and Sevier County, Parton’s home region.
Expressing his admiration further, Jelly Roll stated, “We love you, Dolly, and we miss you. She was infinitely talented, relentlessly funny, and adored by all. She might be the last American that everyone liked. We will miss her dearly.” He concluded his tribute with a heartfelt reference to Parton’s defining song, “I Will Always Love You,” saying, “Rest in peace, Dolly. We will always love you.”
Earlier in the programme, Jelly Roll had entertained the audience with humorous anecdotes, mentioning the mixed reactions to his previous jokes about Donald Trump. The contrast between his light-hearted banter and the solemnity of his tribute to Parton showcased his versatility as both a comedian and a musician.
In addition to paying tribute, Jelly Roll revealed his plans for the “Jelly Awards,” an annual event he has created to celebrate quirky and humorous viral clips from everyday life. During this segment, he shared a humorous story about a raccoon named Chewy, who made headlines for being found in a car with a suspicious item that police identified as a meth pipe.
Despite the laughter and light-heartedness of the show, Jelly Roll found a way to incorporate Dolly Parton’s spirit into the night. Closing his tribute, he quoted her famous saying: “If you see someone without a smile today, give them yours.”
With this heartfelt homage, Jelly Roll ensured that Dolly Parton’s legacy would remain firmly in the hearts of his audience. He wrapped up his segment by shifting back to his comedic roots while maintaining the warmth and respect reflective of the late icon’s influence on his life and career.
Jelly Roll is guest-hosting *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* from August 24 to August 27, 2026, blending laughter with meaningful moments, and honouring the legacy of a true legend in country music.