‘I’ll Never Know Why’: Jessie J Keeps Her Late Friend’s Memory Alive

Singer Jessie J appeared on This Morning and opened up about the real story behind her new track “I’ll Never Know Why,” dedicated to her close friend and bodyguard Dave, who died seven years ago. The song is part of her new album, Don’t Tease Me With a Good Time, marking her first major musical release after a long seven-year gap.

Jessie J explained that Dave was much more than her security personnel; he was the person she turned to whenever fame became overwhelming. She recalled how she often phoned him saying she needed a walk to clear her mind. His sudden death continues to affect her deeply even today.

Although written five years ago, the song was initially uncertain for the album. After she played it for her new team, they insisted it must be included because it could support listeners dealing with grief or emotional loneliness. Performing it on stage, however, has been challenging. At the Royal Variety Performance, she sang it wearing a tracksuit embroidered with the words “Do you have a hoodie?”—a question Dave regularly asked before their quiet late-night walks away from the noise.

To her, the hoodie symbolised the calm and comfort Dave brought during her anxious moments. She viewed him as an older brother who stood beside her through worldwide fame, long tours and even frightening stalker incidents early in her career.

She hopes the song offers a message to those struggling today: “I see you. I want you here. You’re loved.” Releasing it is, for her, a way of keeping Dave’s memory alive. She wishes he could witness her life now, especially her journey into motherhood with her son Sk, as Dave played a big role in strengthening her in the past.

Wanting to reflect people who feel isolated during colder months, she chose a simple outfit on stage to say, “You’re not alone.” In recent months, she has had several emotional performances, including breaking down while singing “Comes in Waves,” written after her 2021 pregnancy loss. Sharing these stories, she says, helps her heal and hopefully supports others too.

Her Royal Variety appearance also drew attention when she hugged Princess Kate despite being advised not to. Jessie J explained that she saw not a royal figure but another mother who had publicly faced cancer.

Her new album, she says, is more than music—it is a collection of lived experiences, memories, pain and hope.

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