Who is Jelly Roll?
Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord on December 4, 1984, is a towering figure in the American music landscape. Hailing from the Antioch neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee, he has defied every convention of the industry to become a multi-genre superstar.
His story is one of radical transformation. Once a “convict and a hooker’s best friend,” as he often describes his early years, Jelly Roll spent much of his youth and early adulthood in and out of the Tennessee penal system. However, his music—a gritty, soul-baring blend of Southern hip-hop, country, and rock—became his lifeline.
With hits like “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor,” and “Save Me,” he has swept the CMT Awards and CMA Awards, while his wife, Bunnie XO, has become a celebrity in her own right as an entrepreneur and podcast host. Together, they represent a modern-day outlaw love story that resonates with millions.
Also Read: Jelly Roll’s Net Worth 2026
The Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Relationship Timeline: A Saga of Redemption and Real Love
The love story of Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO isn’t just a Hollywood romance; it’s a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the power of mutual support. In an era where many celebrity relationships feel manufactured, the “King and Queen of the Trailer Park” have built a brand on being brutally honest about their pasts and their progress.
From a chance meeting in a dive bar to standing on the stages of the world’s biggest award shows, their timeline is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to start a new chapter.
2015: The Lightning Bolt in Las Vegas
The story begins in late 2015 at the Country Star Saloon in Las Vegas. Jelly Roll was far from the household name he is today. He was a struggling independent rapper opening for the Moonshine Bandits, playing for a handful of people and living out of a van.
Bunnie, meanwhile, was a high-earning personality in the Vegas scene, working as a high-end escort and model. She had gone to the show to see the headliners but happened to catch Jelly Roll’s opening set.
“I saw this big Southern boy with the saddest eyes I’d ever seen,” Bunnie later told People. “I just knew I had to talk to him.”
Despite the disparity in their worlds, the connection was instant. Jelly Roll often jokes that Bunnie “shot her shot” by sitting on his lap that very night. While they remained friends initially due to Bunnie being in another relationship, they kept in touch. When her previous relationship ended, they officially “went all in.”
2016: The Shotgun Wedding and a New Family
By August 2016, the couple was inseparable. On August 31, 2016, Jelly Roll was back in Las Vegas for a performance. In a moment of spontaneous romance, he decided he didn’t want to wait another day.
They walked straight from the stage to a local courthouse chapel and got married. There were no designer clothes or months of planning. They didn’t even have a ring; they bought a modest one at a jewelry store the following day.
Becoming a Family
2016 was also a monumental year for their domestic life. Jelly Roll has a daughter, Bailee Ann, who was born in 2008 while he was in prison. During this time, Bailee’s biological mother was struggling with addiction.
Bunnie didn’t hesitate to step into the role of “Bonus Mom.” She and Jelly Roll began the legal process to gain custody, wanting to provide Bailee with the stable, loving home they both lacked in their own childhoods.
The Birth of Noah Buddy
Later in 2016, on August 23, Jelly Roll’s son, Noah Buddy, was born from another previous relationship. While Noah primarily lived with his mother in the early years, Bunnie and Jelly remained active and supportive figures in his life, creating a complex but harmonious blended family.
2018: The Year of the “Seven-Year Itch” (Early)
Every great love story has a test. In 2018, about two years into their marriage, the couple hit a rough patch. The stresses of his touring schedule and the pressure of their past lives led to a brief separation.
They spent a few months apart, a period Bunnie has described as “necessary for growth.” During this time, they realized that they were better together than they were alone. They reconciled with a new commitment to transparency and communication, a foundation that would prove vital as Jelly Roll’s career began to explode.
Launching the “Dumb Blonde” Podcast
In 2018, Bunnie launched her now-massively successful podcast, Dumb Blonde. This was a turning point for her career. She moved away from the sex work industry and began building her own media empire, proving she was far more than just “the rapper’s wife.”
2021 – 2022: From Underground to Overground
The “Save Me” Catalyst
The release of “Save Me” in 2020 and its subsequent rise in 2021 changed everything. The music video, which featured Bunnie XO, showcased a raw, vulnerable side of Jelly Roll that the mainstream was finally ready for.
As the song went platinum, Bunnie became the face of the support system that allowed Jelly Roll to flourish. She wasn’t just in the videos; she was managing the chaos behind the scenes.
| Milestone | Date | Description |
| First Meeting | 2015 | Met at Country Star Saloon, Las Vegas. |
| Wedding | Aug 31, 2016 | Spontaneous Vegas chapel ceremony. |
| Custody of Bailee | 2016 | Legally became Bailee Ann’s primary guardians. |
| Podcast Launch | 2018 | Bunnie starts Dumb Blonde podcast. |
| Brief Split | 2018 | Separated for a few months before reconciling. |
| “Save Me” Release | 2020 | Breakthrough moment into the mainstream. |
2023: The Vow Renewal and Global Recognition
2023 was arguably the biggest year of their lives. Jelly Roll became the “King of Country-Rock,” winning three CMT Music Awards and the CMA New Artist of the Year.
The Second “First” Wedding
To celebrate their seventh anniversary, the couple returned to the same Las Vegas chapel where they first wed. On August 31, 2023, they held a formal vow renewal.
Jelly Roll explained that since their first wedding was a “drunken Vegas night,” they wanted to do it again sober, so they could truly remember and cherish the commitment. Bunnie finally got to wear her “real” wedding dress, and Jelly Roll was seen wiping away tears throughout the ceremony.
“We’ve heard about the 7-year itch, so we decided to do the 7-year stretch,” Jelly Roll told Audacy.
2024 – 2025: The IVF Journey and “Baby Mama Gardening”
As the couple reached their late 30s and early 40s, they began discussing expanding their family. In June 2024, they announced they were starting the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process to have their first biological child together.
The “Loneliness” of IVF
Throughout 2025, Bunnie has been incredibly transparent about the physical and emotional toll of the journey. In March 2025, she described it as a “lonely journey,” despite having a supportive husband. She spoke about the hormones, the egg retrievals, and the “Vegas slot machine” feeling of waiting for results.
A Major Win in June 2025
On June 16, 2025, Bunnie shared a video on TikTok with tears in her eyes. She had received “the call” they had been waiting for after five months of intensive treatment. While she clarified it wasn’t a pregnancy announcement yet, she called it a “huge milestone” in their path to parenthood.
2026: The Power Couple Today
As of early 2026, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO remain one of the most stable and influential couples in Nashville. They recently celebrated their ninth anniversary with a trip to Germany, sharing photos from a cathedral in Cologne.
They are no longer just “the convict and the escort.” They are philanthropists, parents, and business moguls who have successfully navigated the transition from the “trailer park” to the global stage without losing their soul.
Analysis: Why the Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Relationship Works
There are several factors that contribute to the lasting power of this relationship, which are often discussed on Bunnie’s podcast and in Jelly’s music:
- Shared Trauma and Healing: Both grew up in difficult circumstances. They have used their relationship as a “safe space” to break generational cycles of trauma.
- Economic Independence: While they are a team, Bunnie has her own thriving career. This prevents the power imbalances often seen in celebrity marriages.
- Radical Transparency: By speaking about their flaws—including Jelly’s past infidelities and their 2018 breakup—they have “de-fanged” the tabloids. There are no secrets left to expose.
- Priority on Parenting: Their commitment to Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy serves as their North Star. They view their success as a means to provide for their children, not just for personal glory.
Family and Career Overview Table
| Category | Details |
| Husband | Jason Bradley DeFord (Jelly Roll) |
| Wife | Alisa DeFord (Bunnie XO) |
| Children | Bailee Ann (17), Noah Buddy (9) |
| Current Project | IVF Journey (ongoing in 2026) |
| Residency | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Key Ventures | Dumb Blonde Podcast, Whitsitt Chapel Records |
This video provides a deep dive into Bunnie XO’s life before she met Jelly Roll, offering essential context for their relationship timeline.
Also Read: Net Worth of Bunnie XO 2026
FAQs about The Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Relationship Timeline
How did Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO meet?
They met in 2015 at the Country Star Saloon in Las Vegas where Jelly Roll was performing as an opening act.
When did they get married?
Their first wedding was on August 31, 2016. They renewed their vows on the same date in 2023.
What is Bunnie XO’s real name?
Her legal name is Alisa DeFord, though she is known globally as Bunnie XO.
Did Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO ever break up?
Yes, they had a brief separation in 2018 for a few months before reconciling and becoming stronger.
Who is Bailee Ann?
Bailee Ann is Jelly Roll’s daughter from a previous relationship. Bunnie is her legal guardian and primary “bonus mom.”
Does Jelly Roll have a son?
Yes, his son is named Noah Buddy DeFord, born in August 2016.
Are Jelly and Bunnie expecting a baby?
As of late 2025/early 2026, they are actively undergoing IVF treatments and have reported “major milestones,” but have not officially announced a pregnancy.
What does Bunnie XO do for a living?
She is a successful podcast host (Dumb Blonde), an entrepreneur, and a social media influencer.
Was Bunnie XO really an escort?
Yes, Bunnie has been very open about her past in the sex work industry in Las Vegas before meeting Jelly Roll and starting her podcast.
How old is Jelly Roll?
Jelly Roll turned 41 in December 2025.
How old is Bunnie XO?
Bunnie XO is 45 years old as of early 2026.
Where do they live?
They live on a large estate in Nashville, Tennessee.
What is the “Dumb Blonde” podcast?
It is a podcast hosted by Bunnie that features interviews with “counter-culture” figures, focusing on raw, unfiltered life stories.
Is Bunnie XO in the “Save Me” music video?
Yes, she appears in the video, which showcases their real-life chemistry.
Why did they renew their vows?
They wanted to have a sober ceremony that they could fully remember, as their first wedding was a spontaneous, “drunken” Vegas night.
Does Bunnie get along with Bailee Ann’s biological mother?
They have worked hard to maintain a relationship that prioritizes Bailee’s well-being, though Bunnie and Jelly have full custody.
What is Jelly Roll’s net worth in 2026?
While estimates vary, his success in country and rock has put his estimated net worth at over $15 million.
Does Bunnie manage Jelly Roll?
While she isn’t his official music manager, she is a key advisor in his business and branding decisions.
How many tattoos does Jelly Roll have?
He has dozens, including many on his face. He has stated they are a map of his past struggles.
What is their “King and Queen of the Trailer Park” brand?
It is a term they use to honor their humble beginnings and stay connected to their working-class fan base.
Did Jelly Roll get a pardon?
Yes, in late 2024/early 2025, he received a full pardon from the Governor of Tennessee for his past non-violent felonies.
