For Nashville native and genre-blending artist Jelly Roll, Dolly Parton isn’t just a musical icon—she’s part of the very fabric of Tennessee life. In a heartfelt and nostalgic message shared with fans and followers, Jelly Roll opened up about the deep-rooted impact Dolly Parton had on him, his family, and his journey through music.

“Growing up in Tennessee, Dolly Parton was right there next to Jesus, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and College Football,” Jelly Roll reflected. “Many of nights we sat around the kitchen table and listened to Dolly Parton.”

In his own words, Jelly Roll painted a picture of a humble Southern upbringing where Parton’s voice was a staple in the home—a constant comfort in the background of family dinners, late-night talks, and everyday life. For many Southerners, especially in Tennessee, Dolly Parton represents far more than music. She represents resilience, class, humility, and the pursuit of purpose without forgetting your roots.

And now, the legend herself has done it again.

On a day that felt nearly sacred to fans like Jelly Roll, Dolly Parton released her long-anticipated album Rockstar. This bold new project sees the country icon stepping outside her traditional genre to prove exactly why she belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—a recognition she once humbly turned down, saying she hadn’t yet “earned it.”

“Just like the queen she is,” Jelly Roll continued, “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.”

It’s this humility and grace that has made Parton a guiding light to artists of all ages and genres. Jelly Roll, whose rise in music has been as gritty as it has been meteoric, credits Dolly with shaping his understanding of both the business and the art of music.

“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,” he said. “This is UNREAL!”

Dolly’s new album is a star-studded affair, with collaborations that span the rock and pop landscape. It’s a powerful reminder of her versatility, her enduring relevance, and her ability to bring worlds together. Whether it’s a duet with Paul McCartney or a reinvention of classics from Queen and Prince, Rockstar is more than a genre experiment—it’s a declaration of artistic freedom.

The album not only serves as a musical statement, but also as a tribute to Dolly’s own journey—one that began in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and has spanned decades, genres, and hearts across the world.

For artists like Jelly Roll, this moment feels personal. In a world where fame often overshadows authenticity, Dolly remains a beacon of what it means to be true to oneself, to rise with grace, and to never stop creating.

In closing, Jelly Roll’s tribute is more than just fanfare. It’s a generational salute. A thank-you from one Tennessee soul to another. From the backwoods to the big stage, Dolly Parton has been a part of so many people’s story—and today, as she adds Rockstar to her legendary catalog, her story continues to inspire.

As Jelly Roll put it best: “Having an opportunity to just express my gratitude for everything Dolly did for my family, music and Tennessee was a blessing.”

And for millions across the world, Dolly Parton remains just that—a blessing.