Jelly Roll expressed gratitude for Country music icon Dolly Parton after getting to meet the legendary “Jolene” singer for the first-time ever.
Jelly Roll Meets Dolly Parton For The First-Time Ever
The GRAMMY-nominated superstar took to social media on Friday afternoon (Nov. 17) to document the unforgettable moment. He shared a photo of himself posing with Parton alongside a caption that expressed gratitude for the 77-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer, who he credits for making a significant impact on his life and career.
“Growing up in Tennessee, Dolly Parton was right there next to Jesus, Lynyrd Skynyrd and College Football,” he began. “Having an opportunity to just express my gratitude for everything Dolly did for my family, music and Tennessee was a blessing. Many of nights we sat around the kitchen table and listen to Dolly Parton. And just like the queen, she is.”
“I met the queen today. Thank you for the decades of fellowship my family has had listening to your songs. Congrats on your new album “Rockstar” – thank you for everything,” he later added in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He went on to encourage his followers to listen to Parton’s debut rock album, Rockstar, which arrived on Friday (Nov. 17). The 30-track project is available now on all streaming platforms and in stores across the globe.
“Dolly dropped a new album today called Rockstar because she said if she was going to be in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, she needed to earn it,” he continued. “Everything I’ve ever learned about how to do interviews in the music business and how to carry myself I’ve learned from Watching Dolly Parton. This is UNREAL!”
Jelly Roll Admitted Parton Has Inspired His Career In Many Ways
Prior to meeting Parton, Jelly Roll sat down with Audacy’s Rob + Holly, where he elaborated on what he’s learned from observing Parton’s interviews, such as his approach to interview and navigating the music industry.
“What Dolly don’t know, that I can’t wait to tell her one day, is the only media training I’ve ever done in my life was watching old Dolly Parton interviews,” he told the outlet while laughing. “Nobody knows how to carry [themselves] with grace, integrity, but also be assertive and not take bull, but keep a smile. She wrote the book on how to deal with media.”
During the interview, he also recalled hearing Parton’s iconic songs for the first time.
“I think using the term, ‘icon,’ is the best way to describe Dolly Parton,” Jelly Roll added. “I’ll never forget the first time I heard, ‘I’ll Always Love You,’ or, ‘Jolene,’ or these huge records.”
In addition to taking notes from her interviews, the Nashville native also shared that he also is drawing inspiration from her philanthropic endeavors. “Even outside of music, her philanthropy. Her going back to Sevierville [Tennessee] and buying her entire town. Then making her entire town a destination. Not just what she’s done for charities, but the fact that she turned Sevierville, Tennessee into a premiere destination for families to go to. She changed the economical structure of East Tennessee by herself. It’s crazy!”
Bunnie XO Also Met Dolly Parton During Her Album Release Event
Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie XO, also got to meet Parton. On Thursday evening (Nov. 16), Bunnie XO attended Dolly Parton’s Rockstar album release party, organized by American Greetings.
The Dumb Blonde Podcast host met the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer backstage with Jelly Roll’s daughter, Bailee Ann. Overwhelmed by the moment, she expressed her awe, describing Parton as a remarkable role model for all women.
“MOTHER!!! We’re not worthy 😭,” Bunnie XO captioned the clip. Later adding, “I met Dolly tonite & all I can say is wow. She may never remember me, but I’ll remember that for the rest of my life. What a role model for all women.”
