Leslie Jordanleaves a legacy of giving back in the latest episode ofCelebrity IOUwith Drew and Jonathan Scott.
Also in show business, the couple met Jordan nearly four decades ago and they collaborated on various projects: starring inSordid Livestogether and producing Jordan’s one-man show,Hysterical Blindness and Other Southern Tragedies That Have Plagued My Life Thus Far.
Over the years, “He just became family to us,” Rosemary says.
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“They’ve just always been there for me,” Jordan says in the episode. “I had some struggles with alcohol, a little drug use. I’m 25 years clean and sober, but they were instrumental in that too because they never judged me.”
Completing a modern Southwestern ranch renovation for his friends was a testament to his giving spirit. “I really found out the secret to happiness is to do for others,” he said in a clip describing why he teamed up with theProperty Brothersstars.
Rosemary loves her beautiful new open concept and manicured kitchen, but says the most touching part of the remodeling process was something other than the shiny new digs. “In retrospect, the best thing about the whole experience was that we had all that time with Leslie,” she says.
Jordan helped guideDrewand Jonathan when it came to imparting the couple’s desired style and even got hands-on, tearing down panels and drilling in the episode. His personal touches and hard work now mean everything to the Alexanders.
Now, Jordan’s spirit lives on in the home. “He’s not only a part of our past and our history, but he’s a part of our every day,” Rosemary adds.
Del Shores, the couple’s former son-in-law and the father of Jordan’s godchildren, also spoke with PEOPLE about the special episode as he was the “liaison between Leslie and Rosemary, keeping [the makeover] a secret, and fishing for her ideas on her fantasy renovation.”
Shores recalls how proud Jordan was to give his friends this once-in-a-lifetime gift. “Leslie said to me, ‘I’m so glad I got to do this for them. They did so much for me and this just reminded me of how much I love them. They are my family,'” he recalls.
For Rosemary and Newell, the 6-week renovation process transcends a home remodel; it’s a long-lasting gift for which they’ll forever be grateful.
“It’s another layer of memories for us with him,” Rosemary says. “It brought us closer together.”
source: people.com
