We recently had the chance to connect with Jolly Gonos and have shared our conversation below.
Jolly, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
A year ago I experienced some serious health issues. Emergency life altering surgery and weeks in the hospital were completely unexpected. For almost six months I was unable to even walk for long periods of time without a walker or cane. During the height of my illness I stayed quiet and didn’t share a lot of what I was experiencing physically and mentally. There was a lot of shame I felt opening up. In the end the experience humbled me in such a way that I felt compelled to share my experiences so others going through it never have to feel as alone as I did during that time. Thousands of people live with ostomies for periods of time and even permanently and it’s time we erase the stigma and shame.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jolly. I’m a disabled USMC veteran using music to heal, open minds and break stereotypes. I’m a two time top 100 charting artist on the iTunes and AmazonMusic Hip-Hop/Rap charts.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
For nearly a decade I was in and out of hospitals and doctors following my return from my second deployment in the military. I experienced chronic severe and debilitating gastrointestinal problems but specialist after specialist couldn’t come up with an answer as to what I was experiencing. After years of medical tests I was finally diagnosed with diverticulitis caused by exposure to diesel fuel in the water for months during my deployment. In November of 2024 I started experiencing worsening symptoms and went to the ER. I was immediately hospitalized and learned I had a tear in my intestines and serious damage to my sigmoid colon. An ileostomy was the only way forward. Living for nearly 3 months with the ostomy completely changed my perception of the world around me and has deeply humbled me. It always me to have a deeper level of empathy and understanding that you truly never know what someone is going through just below the surface.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
While I was recovering from surgery with the ostomy and awaiting the reversal there were days I didn’t think I would make it. Without the love and support of my wife, kids, family and friends I honestly don’t think I would have made it through that time.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
After I got out of the Marine Corps I had a really difficult transition back to civilian life. In that time I decided to start going live on Instagram to share my experiences and talk about men’s mental health and share my own experiences. It was important to me than to be fully real and transparent about who I am and what I was experiencing. What you see is what you get.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m on stage or when I’m writing new music or playing my piano. During my recovery I bought a used piano at a thrift store and I’ve been teaching myself to play and it’s been so healing
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollymonmusic?igsh=NmJsNnIwejEzaGIx&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18wsnwSXKt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://spotify.link/PpWiWQIAOXb
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
