Fox sitcom “Call Me Kit” has officially returned to the small screen, despite Leslie Jordan’s sudden death.  

The beloved comedian and actor unexpectedly passed away at 67 in late October, after he crashed his car into a building in Los Angeles. Jordan was known for his role in “American Horror Story,” “Will And Grace,” and as the baker named Phil in “Call Me Kit.” 

The premiere of Season 4 (Jan. 5) served as a tribute to Jordan, as they addressed his unfortunate absence. Country music icon Dolly Parton appeared in a pre-recorded video to share a sweet message for the late performer. 

Within the episode titled “Philiam,” viewers learned that Jordan [Phil] decided to move away from his Kentucky home to Tahiti with his boyfriend Jalen [John Griffin]. 

Mayim Bialik, the actress that plays the main character “Kat,” declared that the cast a crew is “still grieving” and found a way that he could “live forever.” 

“The cast felt very strongly and completely unanimously that the thought of doing a funeral episode while we are actively grieving our friend – it felt like a hurdle we weren’t sure we all wanted to jump together,” explained Bialik during the premiere. “So, we found a way for him to live forever. His character will live forever, and he can have whatever adventures we all imagine. And because we break the fourth wall anyway, we were able to use that convention to simply, we gave this character a happy ending, but there’s a lot more going on here,” she added. 

Before the episode concluded, Parton sent “Phil” off with a musical goodbye. The platinum-selling artist delivered a verse from “Where the Soul Never Dies,” a track she recorded with Jordan for his 2021 album “Company’s Comin’.” Jordan’s 15-song gospel collection also features Brandi Carlile, TJ Osborne, Tanya Tucker, Ashley McBryde, Chris Stapleton, and more. 

“I know usually at a memorial, people talk about somebody. Well, I’m going to talk to you,” declared Parton. “Because there is that place on the other side, and I’m certainly going to see you there, little brother. You left a lot of people here with a lot of precious, precious memories. Everybody loved you, but I doubt many of them loved you more than I did.” 

The singer-songwriter continued to acknowledge his vibrant personality and the positive mark he left on everyone’s heart. 

 “I just want you to know that we all love you, we all miss you, and I bet you’re having a big laugh over all of us being sad and sorrowful. And I know that would be the last thing you would want us to be,” said Parton. “You made us happy while you were here, and we’re happy that you’re at peace. I just want you to know that I will always love you. Goodbye, my sweet Leslie.” 

The show incorporated a heartwarming montage to Parton and Jordan’s duet. The tearful assortment highlighted Jordan’s significant moments on the television show. Eventually, the star-studded cast broke character to pay respect to their dear friend a colleague. 

Jordan’s cause of death remains unclear. According to Fox News, The Los Angeles coroner’s office “deferred” Jordan’s fatal accident. It has yet to be determined if Jordan died at the scene from a medical emergency or the crash.