The human soul never dies. That was the point Call me Katthe fourth poignant winter premiere that offered Phil a most fitting send-off and of his portraitist, the late Leslie Jordan, the most elegant of all fames.
Country music legend Dolly Parton made a surprise appearance during Thursday’s tribute, appearing in a pre-recorded message towards the end of the episode. After singing a verse from “Where the Soul Never Dies,” which she recorded with Jordan for his 2021 album The company is comingParton praised her dear friend.
“I know that people usually talk at the monument approximately someone. Well, I will speak to you,” she began. “Because that place is on the other side, and I will definitely see you there, brother. You left a lot of people here with a lot of precious, precious memories. Everyone loved you, but I doubt many loved you more than I did.
“I just want you to know that we all love you, we all miss you and I bet you smile a lot when we are all sad and sad. And I know that would be the last thing we would want us to be,” Parton continued. “You made us happy when you were here and we are glad you are at peace. I just want you to know that I will always love you. Farewell, my sweet Leslie.”
What followed was a montage of those precious memories from Jordan’s two and a half seasons forward Call me Kataccompanied by Jordan and Parton’s duet (listen below).
Jordan, 67, died on October 24 in a car accident. On screen, his character Phil recently jetted off to Tahiti with his boyfriend Jalen (recurring guest star John Griffin). During Thursday’s episode, Phil’s mother, Larlene — played by one of the best moms ever (and Jordan’s ex Cool kids castmate) Vicki Lawrence — announced to Phil’s friends that her son had decided to put down roots in Tahiti. She and Jalen bought a bakery on the island and ended up getting married in an off-movie ceremony attended by Kat, Max, Randi, Carter, Sheila, and Larlene.
After reminiscing about Phil’s Tahitian wedding, the entire cast Call me Kat — consisting of Mayim Bialik, Cheyenne Jackson, Kyla Pratt, Julian Gant and Swoosie Kurtz — broke character. Griffin entered with the chair Jordan used between takes before Pratt draped one of Phil’s signature jackets over his back. The ensemble, fighting back tears, gathered around Jordan’s chair, and Bialik said a few words.
“What we did here gave Phil a happy ending. We are truly mourning the loss of our dear friend Leslie Jordan,” she said. “He is irreplaceable. He will be greatly missed.” Then, along with her colleagues, she concluded: “Love, light, Leslie.”
What did you think? Call me Kata tribute to Leslie Jordan? Rate the episode in the following poll, then add your reactions in the comments.
