Jelly Roll Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, Affairs, Career, Net Worth

From juvenile detention cells to Grammy-winning stages, Jelly Roll has become one of music’s most compelling redemption stories. The Nashville-born genre-bender transformed from a troubled teen with over 40 arrests into a country-rap phenomenon worth millions, proving that second chances aren’t just possible—they’re profitable. His raw, confessional lyrics about addiction, mental health, and salvation have resonated with millions, making him a voice for the voiceless in modern American music.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Born Jason Bradley DeFord on December 4, 1984, in the working-class Antioch suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, Jelly Roll’s childhood was marked by instability and trauma. His mother struggled with severe mental illness and addiction, while his father worked various jobs including meat salesman and bookie. The nickname “Jelly Roll” stuck from toddlerhood—his mother gave it to him because of his fondness for donuts, a sweet origin story for someone who would later battle food addiction.

By age 14, DeFord had already entered the criminal justice system. Over the next decade, he accumulated more than 40 arrests, primarily for drug possession with intent to distribute. At 16, he faced the most serious charge of his life: aggravated robbery during a drug pursuit. Tried as an adult, he spent significant periods incarcerated in his late teens and early twenties.

Education came unconventionally. DeFord earned his GED while behind bars, turning prison time into an opportunity for self-improvement. Music became his salvation during these dark years—he discovered a Bible and songwriting as twin lifelines that would eventually pull him from despair.

Career Journey

Hip-Hop Beginnings (2003–2015)

Jelly Roll’s musical journey began in Nashville’s underground hip-hop scene. He wrote his first rap at age 9 or 10, cutting demos at a local Antioch studio for $30 an hour. His early work was raw Southern hip-hop influenced by Three 6 Mafia and UGK, characterized by confessional lyrics about street life and personal demons.

He gained traction through relentless mixtape releases and collaborations, notably with Memphis rapper Lil Wyte. As part of the trio SNO (with Lil Wyte and BPZ), he built a loyal underground following. His 2010 collaboration “Pop Another Pill” with Lil Wyte became a viral hit, accumulating millions of YouTube views and establishing his reputation for unflinching honesty about addiction.

Genre Evolution & Breakthrough (2016–2021)

The mid-2010s marked Jelly Roll’s gradual transition from pure hip-hop to a more melodic, country-influenced sound. Albums like Sobriety Sucks (2016) and Addiction Kills (2017) showcased his growing comfort with rock instrumentation and country storytelling traditions.

His 2020 album Self Medicated represented a creative peak, blending rap, rock, and country seamlessly. However, true mainstream breakthrough remained elusive until 2021.

Country Stardom & Mainstream Success (2021–Present)

Everything changed with Ballads of the Broken (2021). The album’s lead single, “Son of a Sinner,” became a crossover phenomenon, reaching country radio and introducing Jelly Roll to Middle America. The song’s themes of generational trauma and redemption struck a universal chord.

Career Statistics & Discography Highlights:

Studio Albums:

• The Plain Shmear Tape (2005)
• Deal or No Deal (2006)
• Gamblin’ on a Whiteboy (2009)
• Therapeutic Music (2010)
• Year Round (2011)
• Midnight Star (2012)
• Sobriety Sucks (2016)
• Addiction Kills (2017)
• Goodnight Nashville (2018)
• Whiskey Sessions (2019)
• Self Medicated (2020)
• Ballads of the Broken (2021)
• Whitsitt Chapel (2023)
• Beautifully Broken (2024)

Major Chart Achievements:

• “Son of a Sinner” – Multi-platinum, reached Top 30 on Billboard Hot 100
• “Dead Man Walking” – Platinum certification
• “Save Me” (feat. Lainey Wilson) – Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated
• “Need a Favor” – Platinum certification
• “Amen” (with Shaboozey) – Grammy-winning 2026

Touring Milestones:

• Backroad Baptism Tour (2023): 44 cities, sold-out arenas
• Beautifully Broken Tour (2024): 500,000+ tickets sold
• BIG ASS Stadium Tour (2025): Co-headlining with Post Malone, $231M gross
• 2026 Festival Circuit: Boots in the Park, Rock the Country, La Cura Fest

Television & Business Ventures

Jelly Roll expanded beyond music in 2024-2025, appearing as himself in Taylor Sheridan’s Tulsa King (Paramount+) and serving as Artist-in-Residence on American Idol. In 2026, he joined the judging panel for Netflix’s reboot of Star Search, bringing his redemption story to a new generation of aspiring artists.

His business portfolio includes Goodnight Nashville, a multi-level honky-tonk bar on Nashville’s lucrative Lower Broadway, and partnerships with HEYDUDE shoes, Uber Eats, and Amazon exclusive merchandise lines.

Personal Life

Marriage to Bunnie XO

Jelly Roll married Alyssa “Bunnie XO” DeFord on August 31, 2016, after meeting her at one of his shows in Las Vegas. Bunnie, a model and podcast host (Dumb Blonde), has been instrumental in his personal and professional transformation. She was the first to tell him, “You’re special,” the night they met—a prophecy that came true at the 2026 Grammys.

The couple maintains a refreshingly candid relationship, openly discussing their sex life improvements following Jelly Roll’s weight loss and their spiritual growth together. They reside on a farm outside Nashville, preferring casual date nights at Sweetgreen or movie nights in hoodies over glamorous Hollywood events.

Family & Children

Jelly Roll is father to two children:

• Bailee Ann DeFord (daughter from previous relationship)
• Noah Buddy DeFord (son)

He has spoken extensively about becoming a better, more present father following his health transformation, even coaching his son’s basketball team in 2025.

Health Transformation

Beginning in 2022 and accelerating through 2024-2025, Jelly Roll underwent a dramatic physical transformation, losing nearly 275-300 pounds from his peak weight of 540+ lbs. He achieved this through:

• Hiring a private chef and nutritionist
• Daily running (7 days per week)
• Boxing and basketball training
• Treating food as an addiction requiring therapy and medical support
• Using Metformin for type 2 diabetes management

As of January 2026, he weighs approximately 265 pounds and has discussed potential loose skin removal surgery.

Controversies

Jelly Roll’s past includes significant legal troubles, most notably his 16-year-old aggravated robbery conviction. He has addressed this transparently, telling Billboard: “I never want to overlook the fact that it was a heinous crime… This is a grown man looking back at a 16-year-old kid that made the worst decision that he could have made.”

His felony record has created ongoing challenges, including international travel restrictions and initial skepticism from country music gatekeepers. Additionally, resurfaced footage showed him using racial slurs in his past, though he has since apologized and focused on community building.

Awards & Achievements

Grammy Awards (2026):

• Best Contemporary Country Album (Beautifully Broken) – Winner
• Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Amen” with Shaboozey) – Winner
• Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (“Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake) – Winner

Previous Nominations:

• Best New Artist (2023)

Country Music Association (CMA):

• New Artist of the Year (2023) – Winner

CMT Music Awards:

• Three wins including Breakthrough Video of the Year

Other Honors:

• Men’s Health cover star (January 2026)
• Featured in Vatican City performance (September 2025)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I was a prisoner in my own body for 30-something years. This isn’t a vanity era—this is a ‘rewrite the second half of my life’ era.”

“I didn’t think I had a chance, y’all. I was a horrible human. But I found a Bible and music in a jail cell, and I believed that music had the power to change my life and God had the power to change my life.”

“Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by any one political party. Jesus is Jesus. Anybody can have a relationship with him.”

Favorites

• Food: Sweetgreen salads, fried chicken fingers (cheat meals)
• Drink: El Bandido Yankee Tequila
• Sports: Tennessee Titans (NFL), basketball
• Workout: Boxing, running, stair sprints
• Date Night: Movies, casual dining, “sneaking around” on their farm
• Influences: Three 6 Mafia, UGK, Johnny Cash, classic country storytelling

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2026, Jelly Roll’s net worth is estimated at $16 million, with annual earnings around $3 million depending on touring cycles.

Income Breakdown:

• Touring/Live Shows: ~$1.2M+ annually
• Streaming & Sales: ~$600K-$800K annually
• Songwriting Royalties: ~$300K-$400K annually
• Brand Endorsements: ~$250K-$350K annually (HEYDUDE, Uber Eats, Amazon)
• Merchandise: ~$100K-$200K annually
• Business Ventures: Goodnight Nashville bar revenue, tequila partnership

His 2024-2025 stadium tour with Post Malone grossed over $231 million collectively, representing his most lucrative touring period to date.

Interesting Facts

• Jelly Roll has accumulated over 3.6 billion YouTube views across his channel
• He publicly encouraged fellow country singer Joshua Ray Walker’s weight loss journey in 2025, offering support via social media
• He earned his GED while incarcerated, making him one of the few grammy winners without traditional high school education
• His face tattoos were originally “armor” against his past; he’s now considering removing some while keeping others as part of his story
• He maintains a close friendship with Post Malone, frequently collaborating and touring together
• His 2026 Grammy wins made him the first artist to win in the newly created Best Contemporary Country Album category

Did You Know?

• Jelly Roll was arrested over 40 times before turning his life around at age 24
• His song “Save Me” was originally written as a personal therapy session, not intended for public release
• He met his wife Bunnie XO when she attended one of his shows in Las Vegas—she approached him backstage
• Despite his country success, he still considers himself a rapper at heart
• He runs every single day, even if it’s just a one-mile recovery jog

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @jellyroll615
• Twitter/X: @JellyRoll615
• Facebook: @jellyroll615
• YouTube: Jelly Roll Official
• TikTok: @jellyroll615
• Official Website: jellyroll615.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Jelly Roll in 2026?
Jelly Roll is 41 years old, born December 4, 1984.

Who is Jelly Roll’s wife?
Jelly Roll is married to Alyssa “Bunnie XO” DeFord, a model and podcast host. They married on August 31, 2016.

What is Jelly Roll’s real name?
His birth name is Jason Bradley DeFord.

How much weight has Jelly Roll lost?
Jelly Roll has lost approximately 275-300 pounds, dropping from over 540 lbs to around 265 lbs as of January 2026.

What is Jelly Roll’s net worth in 2026?
His estimated net worth is $16 million.

How many Grammys has Jelly Roll won?
As of February 2026, Jelly Roll has won three Grammy Awards, all at the 2026 ceremony.

What is Jelly Roll known for?
He’s known for blending country, rock, and hip-hop into a unique sound, his confessional lyrics about addiction and redemption, and his dramatic physical transformation.

Does Jelly Roll have children?
Yes, he has two children: daughter Bailee Ann and son Noah Buddy.

What businesses does Jelly Roll own?
He owns Goodnight Nashville, a honky-tonk bar on Nashville’s Lower Broadway, and has partnerships with tequila and footwear brands.

What was Jelly Roll’s first big hit?
“Pop Another Pill” (2010) with Lil Wyte was his first viral hit, but “Son of a Sinner” (2021) marked his mainstream breakthrough.

Conclusion

Jelly Roll’s journey from juvenile delinquent to Grammy-winning artist represents one of music’s most remarkable redemption arcs. At 41, he stands as proof that past mistakes don’t define future potential—a message that resonates through his music, his business ventures, and his very existence. With three 2026 Grammys, a $16 million net worth, and a transformed body and spirit, Jason DeFord has transcended his “Jelly Roll” persona to become a symbol of second chances in American culture.

His story continues to evolve, with new music, television projects, and health milestones on the horizon. Whether he’s coaching his son’s basketball team, judging aspiring stars on Netflix, or selling out stadiums with Post Malone, Jelly Roll embodies the messy, beautiful reality of human transformation.

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