5 Jaw-Dropping Updates On Jelly Roll's Life And Career In Late 2025 And 2026

Jelly Roll is currently one of the most talked-about artists in music, a multi-genre phenomenon whose raw honesty and powerful songs have resonated with millions. As of December 21, 2025, the Nashville native is riding a massive wave of success, marked by major award nominations, a new album, and significant personal milestones that are defining his career trajectory into 2026. His journey, which began in the world of independent rap, has fully transitioned into a mainstream powerhouse, blurring the lines between country, rock, and hip-hop. The year 2025 saw Jelly Roll solidify his status as a music icon, earning prestigious nominations and releasing a highly anticipated follow-up album. Now, with a bold new sound on the horizon and major life changes unfolding, his story of redemption and triumph continues to captivate fans globally.

Jelly Roll: Full Biography and Profile

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, was born on December 4, 1984, in Antioch, a neighborhood in Nashville, Tennessee. His early life was marked by struggle, including incarceration and addiction, which he has openly discussed and channeled into his music.

His professional music career began in the early 2000s, primarily in the underground hip-hop scene, where he gained notoriety for his collaborations and mixtapes. The name "Jelly Roll" was a childhood nickname given to him by his mother.

His breakthrough into the mainstream came with the 2021 single "Dead Man Walking," which crossed over into the rock charts. He achieved massive, multi-genre success with his 2023 album, *Whitsitt Chapel*, which featured the chart-topping singles "Need a Favor" and "Save Me."

• Real Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Born: December 4, 1984 (Age 41 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Antioch, Nashville, Tennessee
• Wife: Bunnie Xo (Alyssa DeFord), host of the *Dumb Blonde Podcast*
• Daughter: Bailee Ann DeFord
• Genres: Country, Hip-Hop/Rap, Rock
• Key Albums: *Sobriety Sucks* (2016), *Ballads of the Broken* (2021), *Whitsitt Chapel* (2023), *Beautifully Broken* (2025)
• Major 2025 Nominations: Grammy (2), ACM (3, including Entertainer of the Year), CMA (multiple)

The Latest Music and A "Bold Swing" for 2026

The second half of 2025 was dominated by the release of Jelly Roll’s new studio album, *Beautifully Broken*. Released on October 11, the 22-track project served as the highly anticipated follow-up to his record-breaking country debut, *Whitsitt Chapel*.

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The album quickly resonated with fans, building on the themes of vulnerability and redemption that have become his signature sound. The success of this release contributed to his multiple 2025 award nominations, including two Grammy nominations for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for his single "I Am Not Okay."

Looking ahead, Jelly Roll is already in the early stages of working on his 11th studio album, and he is teasing a major shift in his artistic direction. He has publicly stated that his next project will be a "bold swing" and a "bold, emotionally honest new album," suggesting he will break new ground and showcase significant personal growth in his songwriting.

This commitment to a "bold" new sound indicates the artist is not resting on his multi-genre success but is instead pushing creative boundaries, promising fans a unique and possibly genre-defying experience in 2026.

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Major Life Milestones: Pardon, Weight Loss, and Bunnie Xo's Memoir

Beyond his music career, Jelly Roll experienced several life-changing personal and professional milestones in late 2025 that reflect his commitment to a new life of sobriety and service. These updates have provided a powerful narrative of redemption that complements his musical themes.

Tennessee Governor Grants Full Pardon

In a monumental development, the Tennessee governor officially granted Jelly Roll a full pardon for his past criminal record. This act of clemency is a massive turning point for the Nashville native, who has been an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform and has used his platform to discuss his own struggles with the legal system. The pardon symbolically closes a difficult chapter and allows him to move forward unburdened.

2026 Goal: Focusing on Health and Wellness

Jelly Roll has been open about his weight loss journey, and during an appearance on his wife's podcast, he publicly announced a major goal for 2026 related to his health and wellness. His commitment to physical transformation runs parallel to his musical evolution, inspiring fans with his dedication to self-improvement and a healthier lifestyle.

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Bunnie Xo's 2026 Book Tour and IVF Updates

His wife, Bunnie Xo, has also been in the spotlight, announcing dates for her 2026 book tour in support of her upcoming memoir. The memoir is expected to delve into her own life story and their relationship. Furthermore, the couple has continued to share candid updates with their fans about their IVF journey, as they are "talking about having a baby" and navigating the emotional process together.

Jelly Roll's Extensive 2025-2026 Tour Schedule

The demand for Jelly Roll’s live performances remains exceptionally high, evidenced by his packed concert schedule extending well into 2026. Fans eager to see the multi-genre star on stage have numerous opportunities across the United States and Canada.

His late 2025 schedule includes a special New Year’s Eve performance on December 31, 2025, at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada. This performance is a high-profile way to ring in the new year and launch his 2026 tour.

The 2026 tour calendar is filled with major festival appearances, demonstrating his cross-genre appeal. Key dates include:

• May 15-16, 2026: Boots In The Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• June 26, 2026: SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Canada
• July 4, 2026: Headlining Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The extensive tour schedule, which also includes stops at major venues like the Capital One Arena and T-Mobile Arena, confirms that Jelly Roll is one of the hardest-working artists currently on the road. His dedication to connecting with his audience through powerful live shows ensures his momentum will continue to build throughout the new year.

From a full pardon that signifies a new beginning to a bold new album that promises a creative evolution, Jelly Roll’s story is a testament to the power of transformation. His 2026 is set to be his biggest year yet, both professionally and personally.

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