the recent death of actor Leslie Jordan has eviscerated fans all over the world. Known for his bright and effervescent personality, Jordan was always willing to try new things and tackle unexpected projects — and did it all with joy and humor. Jordan was never shy about praising the people and projects he loved. In an interview with Andy Cohen on See what happens liveJordan opened up about one singer in particular that he had a great affinity for, admitting that he saw parton doll performing in their high school auditorium decades before the two collaborated on their 2021 gospel album.
What did Leslie Jordan say about watching Dolly Parton perform?
Jordan was a frequent guest on Andy Cohen’s late-night talk show, See what happens live. Several years before his death, the actor visited the show to discuss his love for Dolly Parton. In the interview, Jordan, who also grew up in Tennessee, admitted that he once drove several hours to see Parton perform in her high school auditorium before she achieved the level of stardom she would later achieve.
Jordan said that when he saw Parton in 1973 at the Sevierville show, he “fell in love with her.” He developed a deep affection not only for parton’s music, but by the singer herself. Decades later, when the two had a chance to work together, she told Parton about the time he had seen her perform in the auditorium. While Parton initially didn’t believe her, she was told by Jordan “I was, I was there!” and she proved it to him with some details about the performance.
Leslie Jordan and Dolly Parton sang a song together in 2021
Decades later, in 2001, Jordan would have the opportunity to work with his idol, on his 2021 album. Comin of the company. The album, which included songs inspired by the actor’s country roots, included a collaboration between Jordan and Parton, a song titled “Where the Soul Never Dies.”
In an interview with the Los Angeles TimesJordan spoke about working with the icon, admitting: “I couldn’t even breathe. I went there and she was all dolled up for a Christmas special that she did. And we sat there and even though we were masked and socially distant, we just hung out.”
He went on to point out: “And people were like, ‘What’s she like?’ Well, you know exactly what she’s like. You don’t have to know her to know what she is like. He just adored her.” It is clear that Parton did not disappoint and lived up to all of Jordan’s expectations, something rare in the entertainment industry.
Dolly Parton expressed her condolences after the death of Leslie Jordan
Unfortunately, Jordan died in October 2022 at the age of 67. The diminutive comedian touched many lives, including Parton’s. The singer took to social media after the news of Jordan’s death broke, posting: “Well I’m so hurt and shocked like I’ve lost a family member. Leslie and I had a special bond; I think the world felt that they had a special bond with him. I know people always say, ‘Oh, we’ll miss you,’ but in this case, that couldn’t be more true.”
Parton ended her post by writing: “He will be missed by all who knew him personally and by all who entertained him. He rests in peace, little brother. Certainly, with the world still mourning the loss of Jordan, Parton’s words provide some comfort and solace.
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