Divorce Proceedings for Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO
How can Jelly Roll be getting – Jelly Roll, the Grammy-winning country singer formerly known as Jason Bradley DeFord, has initiated divorce proceedings from his wife, Bunnie XO, whose name is Alisa Andrea DeFord. The filing, made in May in Williamson County, Tennessee, marks the end of a relationship that had its roots in a chance encounter during a 2015 concert in Las Vegas.
A Love Story Rooted in Unconventional Circumstances
The couple’s journey began when Bunnie XO, a model and host of the Dumb Blonde podcast, attended one of Jelly Roll’s performances. Their connection, described as a unique and unexpected union, became the basis of a relationship that inspired several of his songs, including “Kill A Man” (2024) and “Thorns” (2026).
“I’ll never forget, Bunnie looked at me, and — man, it makes me emotional — she said, ‘No matter what happens with us, I’m going to help you get the girl,’” Jelly Roll shared during a 2023 appearance on “Bussin’ With The Boys.”
Early Struggles and Shared Resilience
Jelly Roll’s life was marked by hardship before meeting Bunnie XO. By 14, he had accumulated a lengthy criminal record, leading to 40 incarcerations, as detailed in his 2023 documentary “Jelly Roll: Save Me.” At the time, he was living in a van, often seen as a struggling artist. Bunnie XO, a sex worker in her past, became a stabilizing force in his life, supporting him through financial instability and personal challenges.
“It’s a white trash love story,” Jelly Roll reflected. “When I hugged her, I could just feel the genuineness of her. I could tell it wasn’t an act.”
Trials and Triumphs in Marriage
Despite early struggles, their bond deepened. Jelly Roll proposed onstage at a Yelawolf and Deftones concert in Las Vegas and the pair married in a short timeframe. Their relationship faced its first major test when Jelly Roll engaged in an affair in 2018. Bunnie XO, however, chose to remain committed, crediting her resilience to her own turbulent history.
“We both live by the motto that we aren’t each other’s possessions and consider our relationship to be free, not open,” Bunnie XO wrote in her memoir “Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic.”
A Second Chance and the Path Forward
Following the 2018 infidelity, Bunnie XO expressed her decision to give Jelly Roll another opportunity, stating, “I gave it to him, and it is the best decision I’ve ever made.” She emphasized her willingness to embrace both the positives and negatives of their union, acknowledging her past experiences with domestic violence, drug addiction, and suicidal thoughts.
“I really was just searching for the love of my father in so many men, and then it became a career,” Bunnie XO told People magazine. “I thought I was taking my power back from the abuse that I’d been through, but really I was just in survival mode.”
Recent Reconciliation and Emotional Acknowledgment
After shedding nearly 300 pounds from a 550-pound frame, Jelly Roll has credited Bunnie XO for her role in his transformation. During a 2026 Grammy ceremony, he paid tribute to his “beautiful wife” as he accepted the award for “Beautifully Broken.” “I would have never changed my life without you,” he tearfully stated. “I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn’t for you and Jesus. I thank you for this.”
While their divorce is now official, Bunnie XO has continued to be a vocal advocate for Jelly Roll, highlighting their shared journey of overcoming adversity. Representatives for both parties have not yet commented on the situation.
