Ellen Skrmetti, the comedian and creator of the viral Instagram account @JustSkrmetti, announces the release of her debut book, “Hey Jesus, It’s Me: I Have Questions, Comments, and Concerns.”
The highly anticipated title is currently available for preorder everywhere books are sold with an on-sale date of Sept. 17, 2024, via Worthy Books, a division of Hachette Book Group.
Known for her hilarious and heartfelt “Hey Jesus, It’s Me” sketches, Skrmetti has transformed her comedic storytelling into a collection of essays that delve deeper into the experiences of a middle-aged, southern woman navigating life’s quirks and challenges.
In “Hey Jesus, It’s Me,” Skrmetti takes readers behind the scenes of her wildly popular Instagram series, sharing the stories and inspirations behind the sketches that have resonated with millions. The book offers a humorous yet poignant look at themes like mamas, menopause, and menus—topics that Skrmetti’s fans have come to love. With her trademark southern charm, she also tackles the unspoken prayer requests we all have, offering a fresh and funny perspective on life’s little (and not-so-little) challenges.
Skrmetti’s rise to fame began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she started posting 30-second videos on Instagram. In these sketches, she humorously “calls” Jesus with a remote control, asking for advice and offering her own, whether she’s wondering how to avoid becoming an “advance maternal age” mama again, or how to deal with her best friend’s ex-husband’s new wife sitting in the next pew. Her relatable humor quickly struck a chord, and her account went viral in Spring 2022, garnering millions of views, and a devoted following.
“I once told my husband, if I die before making the world laugh, then make sure my tombstone reads ‘She Died Tryin’,” says Skrmetti.
With “Hey Jesus, It’s Me,” Skrmetti invites readers to laugh along with her as she navigates life’s ups and downs. The book is more than just a collection of essays; it’s a celebration of southern culture, a tribute to the power of humor, and a reminder that we’re all in this together—even when it feels like the world is going a little crazy.
Skrmetti’s journey from pageant queen to stand-up comedian to viral sensation and now author, is a testament to her resilience and unique voice. Trained at the prestigious Second City, her career took an unexpected turn during the pandemic, but as she likes to say, “dreams don’t have deadlines.” With a tour company now pursuing her and a book on the way, Skrmetti continues to bring joy and laughter to audiences far and wide.
Ellen Skrmetti got started in comedy after training at the famous and premier school of comedy, Second City. She had just started booking herself at comedy clubs when the 2020 COVID shutdown happened. As she reminds us, “dreams don’t have deadlines,” and now a tour company is pursuing her, and millions are watching her comedy. After one of her Instagram posts went viral in Spring 2022, others soon followed with millions of views.
