Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has faced struggles in his past, including multiple stints in jail for crimes such as aggravated robbery and drug dealing. Despite his troubled past, he found love and stability in his wife, Bunnie XO. They met in 2015 at one of Jelly Roll’s shows and tied the knot in Las Vegas in August 2016. Bunnie has been a caring stepmother to Jelly Roll’s children from previous relationships, demonstrating her kindness and patience in their blended family. As their careers have flourished, with Bunnie launching her own podcast and media company and Jelly Roll transitioning from hip-hop to country music, the couple has remained each other’s rocks.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have shared their love story and appreciation for each other on social media. In May 2020, Jelly Roll expressed his gratitude for Bunnie’s role as a stepmother, acknowledging her as a special woman who treats his children as her own. In November 2022, Jelly Roll recounted how they met, with Bunnie sharing that she fell in love with the saddest eyes in the room. They made their red carpet debut as a couple at the CMA Awards that same month. Jelly Roll’s success in country music continued to grow, with Bunnie praising him after he won three CMT Music Awards in April 2023, acknowledging his impact in breaking stereotypes and paving the way for others.
In July 2023, Jelly Roll penned a heartfelt tribute to Bunnie as she launched her own podcast and left her past as a high-end escort behind. He shared how inspired he was by her transformation and determination to build her own empire. The couple renewed their vows in Las Vegas in August 2023, with Jelly Roll expressing his love and commitment to giving Bunnie the life she deserves. In November 2023, Jelly Roll won the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year and credited his wife for changing his life. He shared an inspirational message encouraging others to keep going despite their struggles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
As Jelly Roll’s career continued to soar, the couple remained grounded and supportive of each other. A source revealed in February 2024 that they had an “us against the world” mentality and felt proud of overcoming their challenges together. At the 2024 CMT Awards in April, Jelly Roll took home multiple awards and gave a shoutout to his wife, expressing his gratitude for her support and love. Their relationship has been a source of strength for both of them, with Jelly Roll finding a partner who has helped him through his darkest times and Bunnie finding a man who brings out the best in her. Ultimately, their love story is a testament to resilience, growth, and unwavering support in the face of adversity.
