The connection between Jelly Roll and Dwayne Johnson runs deep, as the musician’s music provided solace for the actor long before he achieved fame as a recording artist. Their friendship is a testament to the power of music in overcoming personal struggles.

During a heartfelt appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Friday (Nov. 15), The Rock shared a personal story about discovering the “Need a Favor” singer’s music at a time when he was navigating through a challenging phase in his life. Johnson reflected on this journey, recalling, “I was going through a hard time at that time — he didn’t even know it, because we didn’t know each other.” The singer’s heartfelt lyrics resonated with Johnson, offering him a sense of connection during his struggles.

Johnson opened up about his mental health challenges, stating, “That was one of my bouts with depression, and I was struggling, and I was really wobbly.” He described the overwhelming circumstances he faced, including preparing for the arrival of their second child while also managing a long-distance relationship with his older daughter and filming a movie. The pressures of life weighed heavily on him, but Jelly Roll’s music provided a much-needed escape and comfort during those turbulent times.

Johnson, who shares his first daughter, Simone, with ex-wife and producer Dany Garcia, along with daughters Jasmine and Tiana with his wife, musician Lauren Hashian, elaborated on the impact of Jelly Roll’s lyrics from the 2017 track “Only.” These powerful words, which Johnson read aloud, resonated with him during his time of need and provided a glimpse into the emotional depth of their connection.

He quoted poignant lines from the song: “What if the darkness inside of me has finally taken my soul?/ What if the angels in heaven were sent to take me home?” These lyrics reflect a profound struggle with mental health and the search for hope amidst despair. Johnson continued, “Would they fight through the demons that I have in my life?/ Lord, I’m believing eventually see the light.” Such lyrics encapsulate the battle many face against their inner demons, highlighting Jelly Roll’s ability to express complex emotions through his music.

“That really moved me and touched me,” The Rock shared, emphasizing the deep emotional connection he felt with Jelly Roll’s artistry. Their eventual communication solidified a friendship that transcended their initial anonymity. “We got in contact with each other and I told him what it meant to me. We didn’t know each other but became really good friends. That’s my boy, and I love that guy.” This sentiment showcases not just the power of music but also the bond it can create between artists and fans.

As host Kelly Clarkson pointed out, this meaningful exchange took place well before Jelly Roll reached his commercial breakthrough with the song “Son of a Sinner” in late 2022. This hit climbed to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Jelly Roll’s star status was further solidified with his 2023 album Whitsitt Chapel, and he recently celebrated his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Beautifully Broken. His remarkable journey includes two recent Grammy nominations for best country song and best country solo performance for “I Am Not Okay,” showcasing his growing influence in the music industry.

Jelly Roll has also shared his perspective on their friendship during his previous appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. In a clip played during Johnson’s episode, he expressed gratitude for The Rock’s early support: “He was a fan when I wasn’t worth being a fan of.” This profound statement highlights how Johnson’s belief in Jelly Roll’s talent inspired the musician, making him feel validated. “If one of the greatest personalities of this generation — one of the greatest actors and entertainers — if he sees something in this music, maybe I’m on to something.” Such reflections underline the importance of support in the journey of any artist.

Watch Johnson gush about Jelly Roll below and experience the heartfelt connection between these two remarkable individuals who found friendship and inspiration through music.