During the 2024 Emmy Awards, Jelly Roll performed his song 'I Am Not Okay' as part of the In Memoriam segment, which honored notable figures in entertainment who passed away over the past year. While he described music as therapeutic and hoped his performance could provide a healing moment for mourners, the choice of song, which addresses themes of depression and emotional turmoil, sparked controversy among viewers. Critics questioned the appropriateness of the song for the tribute, with some expressing that it felt disrespectful, while others appreciated its emotional resonance. The segment included tributes to stars such as James Earl Jones and Bob Newhart, with the latter receiving a special acknowledgment from Jimmy Kimmel after Jelly Roll's performance. Overall, reactions to the performance were mixed, reflecting diverse sentiments about the tribute's tone and Jelly Roll's selection as the performer. Despite the backlash, Jelly Roll expressed joy at making his Emmy debut and offering a tribute to the late storytellers.