Jelly Roll and Leanne Morgan Remember Dolly Parton On ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

Just hours after the news of Dolly Parton’s death was announced, Jelly Roll returned to the desk to guest-host another night of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and was joined by fellow Tennessee native Leanne Morgan. With both stars sharing deep Tennessee roots, the conversation naturally began on the topic of the country music legend and the lasting impact she had on their home state.

Jelly Roll asked Morgan, “Did you ever get to meet Miss Dolly?”

Morgan explained that although she never had the chance to meet Dolly Parton personally, she had met members of her team, while her daughter had the opportunity to meet the country legend through her work with Make-A-Wish.

“My oldest daughter, Maggie, worked for Make-A-Wish and did a Make-A-Wish with a little child with cancer with Dolly. And then Dolly just gave so much money, generational money and changed our East Hospital to Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital,” Morgan explained. “And my grand baby was there in the NICU…So she means the world to us in Tennessee. We hate to give her up.”

And of course, with the stand-up comedian, actress, and author living just 30 minutes from Dollywood, she stated that it is a place that she has visited so frequently over the years that her season pass is always in her wallet.

“Honey, I raised my children at Dollywood. I’ve got a Dollywood season pass in my wallet right now because I take my grand babies,” she shared.

Jelly Roll explained that he also was very familiar with the destination as he would take his daughter there on every fall break of her life and is now continuing that tradition with his son too.

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The pair went on to discuss their friendship, revealing that the first time they met was in Nashville during Toby Keith’s live tribute concert in July of 2024. Their most recent interaction was at the Grand Ole Opry during Jelly Roll’s induction.

“That was so special and I grew up going to the Grand Ole Opry…but when you asked me to do that, that meant the world to me with little Lainey Wilson and Craig Morgan. Oh my gosh it was crazy,” Morgan recalled.

The “Save Me” singer expressed his gratitude for her unwavering support over the years.

“Thank you for showing up for me. You’ve always showed up for me and thank you for doing it again tonight and being my guest on the Jimmy Kimmel show.”

Earlier on in the night, when the “Save Me” singer delivered his second opening monologue as guest host of the show, he took a moment to honor Dolly Parton, reflecting on her influence on his life, his family and his songwriting while sending his love to her hometown communities in East Tennessee and Sevier County.

“I do want to mention the big story on everyone’s heart and mind. 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. We used to sit around the kitchen table and listen to her music together as a family, I’ll never forget it.”

He went on to admit that he has learned so much from Dolly over the years about songwriting, how to navigate the entertainment business and how to support your community.

“I want to send my love to East Tennessee and Sevier County right now and representing her. We love you Dolly, 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.”