Her children shared a heartfelt message to her fans:
A message from Beau Jarred, Leilah, and Jeordie
To All of You,
We’re having a hard time writing this post because we have so many things we want to say first. There’s no easy way. On January 23, 2024, Mom peacefully left this world and went to the next.
We are so sad, but we want to thank all of you for how much you loved our mother and tell you that she died loving all of you. Every word she wrote and every note she sang showed that she was one of the smartest, strongest, and most passionate women of her time.
Today, her absence has made our world much darker, and the colors of Tennessee’s gray and rainy days are less vivid. But we know that she is still here, smiling down at us from the stars.
We ask that each of you light a candle tonight, January 24th, at 10 p.m. Central time, in Melanie’s honor. Lift them up high, high, high again. Light up the darkness, and let’s all remember the amazing woman who was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to a huge number of people.
We are planning a Celebration of Life for Mom, and anyone who wants to come can. As soon as the details are set, they will be shared. We hope to see you there.
Right now, please give her family some space to grieve, remember her, and figure out how to get through this crazy world without her.
She really appreciated all of your love.
Peace and Love,
Jean, Leilah, and Beau Jarred