One Song, Two Legends, and a Final Goodbye: Dolly Parton & Jelly Roll’s Emotional Tribute at Anne Burrell’s Funeral
In a moment that will be remembered as one of the most poignant in recent music history, country legend Dolly Parton and rising star Jelly Roll made a surprise appearance at the funeral of Food Network icon Anne Burrell on June 20, 2025, in New York City. The duo, who had formed an unlikely friendship with Burrell through her love of country music, performed a heart-wrenching rendition of Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” leaving the packed congregation in tears and honoring the celebrity chef’s vibrant life in a way only music could.
Anne Burrell, known for her spiky blonde hair and infectious energy on shows like Worst Cooks in America, passed away unexpectedly at 55, shocking the culinary and entertainment worlds. Her funeral, held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, drew a star-studded crowd, including Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay, but it was Parton and Jelly Roll’s unannounced performance that stole the moment. The two artists, who had collaborated with Burrell on a charity event in Nashville in 2024, felt compelled to pay tribute after learning of her deep admiration for Parton’s music. “Anne was a firecracker, a soul who loved big and lived loud,” Parton said, her voice breaking as she addressed the mourners. “This song is for her, from us.”
The choice of “I Will Always Love You,” a song Parton wrote in 1973 and later immortalized by Whitney Houston, was deeply personal. Burrell had often cited it as her favorite, playing it during late-night cooking sessions and even featuring it in a 2023 episode of Chopped dedicated to comfort food. Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, shared that Burrell had Sei had texted him the song’s lyrics just weeks before her passing, joking, “This is how I feel about my kitchen!” The duet, backed by a simple acoustic guitar, began with Parton’s crystalline voice carrying the opening lines, while Jelly Roll’s raw, soulful tone joined in the chorus, creating a harmony that felt both tender and powerful.
The performance was more than a musical tribute; it was a celebration of Burrell’s zest for life. Parton, 79, stood arm-in-arm with Jelly Roll, 40, as they sang, their voices blending in a way that mirrored Burrell’s ability to bring people together through food. Mourners, including Burrell’s family and close friend Rachael Ray, were visibly moved, with many wiping away tears as the song’s final notes echoed through the cathedral. “It was like Anne was there, smiling,” Ray later told reporters. “That song, those voices—it was perfect.”
Parton and Jelly Roll’s connection to Burrell stemmed from a 2024 fundraiser for Parton’s Imagination Library, where Burrell’s larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression. Jelly Roll, a frequent visitor to Burrell’s New York restaurant, recalled her blasting country music while prepping dishes, often singing along to Parton’s classics. “She was one of us,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “She loved music, food, and people. We had to do this for her.”
The performance also carried a bittersweet weight for Parton, who had recently lost her husband, Carl Dean, in March 2025. Her decision to sing at Burrell’s funeral, despite her own grief, underscored her commitment to honoring those she cared about. “Music heals,” Parton said softly after the performance. “Anne knew that, and we wanted to give her that gift one last time.”
Social media erupted with clips of the duet, with fans on X calling it “a moment of pure love” and “the goodbye Anne deserved.” The performance not only celebrated Burrell’s legacy but also highlighted the unifying power of music, bringing together two artists from different generations to honor a beloved figure. As the congregation rose in a standing ovation, it was clear that Parton and Jelly Roll had given Burrell a farewell as vibrant and unforgettable as she was.
