Jelly Roll may have just received the break he’s been hoping for. On April 22, the Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously voted to recommend a pardon for the “Lonely Road” singer for crimes he committed more than 20 years ago, according to the Associated Press. However, the final decision rests with Governor Bill Lee, who can choose to grant the pardon, commute Jelly Roll’s record, or deny the request, NBC News reported. “This was incredible,” the Nashville native, whose real name is Jason DeFord, told the AP after the vote. Having been convicted of robbery at 17 and later of drug charges at 23, Jelly Roll was sentenced to a year in jail. “I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.” Governor Lee emphasized that the process was not yet complete, stating, “The reporting on Jelly Roll is encouraging for his situation, but there are steps yet to happen in that case.”
If granted, the pardon would make it easier for Jelly Roll, 40, who often visits prisons and rehab centers while on tour, to travel internationally. Speaking before the board, the Grammy-nominated artist, who is married to Bunnie XO, said, “I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be—to let them know that change is truly possible.” He added that international travel currently requires a team of lawyers and extensive paperwork. His hope is that a pardon would not only help him tour globally but also enable him to do missionary work in his later years.
Jelly Roll, who shares daughter Bailee, 16, with ex Felicia Beckwith, and son Noah, 8, with ex Melisa Ann Cowell, has spoken openly about his time in incarceration, from the ages of 14 to 25. Released from prison in 2016, he credits his experiences behind bars for shaping his music and life outlook. Reflecting on that time during an appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast, he said, “I had the one pair of clothes I was incarcerated in, zero money, and was in debt. It was the most honest accountability and self-reflection moment in my life.”
Jelly Roll’s relationship with Bunnie XO has been a cornerstone of his life transformation. They met in August 2015 when he was performing at the Las Vegas Country Club. At the time, Jelly Roll was far from famous, living in a van, and performing for tiny audiences. Despite neither fitting each other’s “types,” a deep connection sparked between them. Bunnie recalled on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast that when they met, her soul recognized him instantly. Their romance didn’t blossom immediately, as both were entangled in complicated personal lives, but by October 2015, they reconnected, and by August 2016, they were married in a Las Vegas wedding chapel.
Bunnie’s impact on Jelly Roll’s career cannot be overstated. After leaving the sex work industry in 2019, Bunnie launched her “Dumb Blonde” podcast and used her earnings to support Jelly Roll’s 2017 album “Addiction Kills.” She also played a vital role in helping him secure custody of his daughter Bailee. Their journey into parenthood led them to reflect deeply on their lifestyles. Bunnie shared in the documentary “Jelly Roll: Save Me” that she gave up pills for good to build a better life for Bailee.
Bailee, born in 2008 while Jelly Roll was imprisoned for drug dealing, holds a special place in his heart. He credits her with saving his life even before she was old enough to understand her impact. Initially a “less-than-present” father, Jelly Roll worked hard to gain full custody of Bailee during her mother’s struggles with addiction, with Bunnie supporting him every step of the way.
In August 2016, just days before their wedding, Jelly Roll welcomed his son Noah. After Noah’s birth, Jelly Roll expressed his hopes that neither of his children would have to suffer because of his past mistakes. While they have kept much of Noah’s life private, glimpses into his world occasionally surface, such as Bunnie’s TikTok in July 2023 sharing fun facts about him. Bunnie and Jelly Roll also maintain a positive relationship with Noah’s mother, highlighting a strong co-parenting bond.
Despite a brief breakup in 2018, Jelly Roll and Bunnie’s love endured. After reconciling later that year, they recommitted to each other and rebuilt their lives stronger than ever. Their bond continued to thrive as they made their red carpet debut at the 2022 CMA Awards. By 2023, they celebrated their vow renewal, a touching testament to the journey they’ve traveled together, breaking generational trauma, building a solid home for Bailee, and continuing to walk through life’s fires hand-in-hand.
Bunnie has been a constant source of inspiration for Jelly Roll, even becoming the muse for some of his music, like “Woman” and “Kill a Man.” Despite his initial hesitations about writing love songs, he crafted heartfelt tributes to her, blending vulnerability with authenticity. Their partnership extends beyond personal life into professional projects, as they co-starred in music videos like “Wheels Fall Off” and “Lonely Road” with Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox.
Through every high and low, they remain each other’s biggest fans. Bunnie often shares heartfelt tributes about Jelly Roll’s hard-fought success, celebrating the years of struggle that led to packed arenas and a loyal fan base. Jelly Roll, in turn, admires Bunnie’s rise as a media personality, praising her influence, particularly among women.
Bunnie is also fiercely protective of Jelly Roll, openly defending him against online bullies who criticize his weight. On her “Dumb Blonde” podcast, she passionately reminded listeners about the real emotional toll bullying takes, emphasizing that no amount of fame makes cruel comments acceptable. She made it clear she will always stand up for her family.
Currently, Jelly Roll and Bunnie are exploring IVF as they look to expand their family. Bunnie shared their journey on Instagram, revealing their excitement and fears as they navigate this new chapter. They are motivated by a shared dream of adding a child that is a reflection of both of them to their already beautiful family with Bailee and Noah, proving once again that together, they can overcome anything.
