Nashville mourns 'heartbreaking' Leslie Jordan death: 'Truly a legend'

Leslie Jordan, the spirited "Will & Grace" actor and Tennessean who endeared himself to a legion of Nashville entertainers during his career, died Monday after a car wreck in Los Angeles. He was 67.

Tributes for Jordan - a Chattanooga native - began flooding social media, where hip-hop artists, Americana story-spinners and bona fide stars mourned the late funny-man and one-time Nashville gospel singer.

"I am as hurt and shocked as if I have lost a family member," Dolly Parton, a Country Music Hall of Fame icon, said Monday evening on Twitter. "Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him. I know people always say ‘Oh, they will be missed,’ but in this case that could not be more true. He will be missed by everyone who knew him personally and by everyone who was entertained by him.”

Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Isbell described Jordan as "so wonderful," while singer-songwriter Margo Price said he "radiated joy in a way that was so unique and pure."

Jordan carved his place in Music City late in life, appearing in recent years at red carpet events and all-star tributes ready to put a smile on each audience with his unwavering flamboyance. In 2021, he recorded "Company's Comin'," a collection of gospel tunes that featured collaborations from Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Ashley McBryde and more.

The Grand Ole Opry shared that "[e]very time Leslie stepped on our stage, he brought joy with him." Jordan made his Opry debut in May 2021.

Leslie Jordan:Beloved entertainer and Tennessee native, dies at 67

One of his last public appearances in Nashville came earlier this month, when he helped emcee a tribute concert for late singer-songwriter John Prine at the Ryman Auditorium. Prior to that, Jordan serviced as Grand Marshal in the city's Pride parade earlier this year.

"Our condolences to his family, friends and fans," Nashville mayor John Cooper wrote Monday afternoon on social media.

Singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun called Jordan "the feeling of laughter with a good friend personified," while local rapper Daisha McBride said he was "[t]ruly a legend and such a kind soul."

Tributes continued to fill social media feeds Monday with Dolly Parton's sister Stella Parton, country singer Waylon Payne, Brothers Osborne frontman TJ Osborne and more shared condolences.

"I recently got to know Leslie and we became fast friends," shared country singer Sara Evans. "He was so kind and funny and authentic."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Leslie Jordan: Nashville artists mourn 'heartbreaking' death