Inside Jelly Roll’s Family: Meet His Two Kids and Wife, Bunnie Xo
Bunnie Xo, Jelly Roll, and Bailee Ann. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Though his journey into fatherhood began without controversy, Jelly Roll has consistently placed his family first.
The country artist became a father for the first time when he welcomed his daughter Bailee Ann with ex-girlfriend Felicia in 2008, during a period when Jelly (whose real name is Jason DeFord) was incarcerated due to a drug dealing conviction.
“In the middle of lockdown, a guard knocks on my cell door and says, ‘You had a kid today,’” he recounted to Billboard in June 2023. “I’ve never felt so compelled to change my life in that moment. I had to figure things out immediately.”
Upon learning of Bailee’s birth, Jelly vowed to be there for her. Eight years later, he welcomed his son Noah Buddy with ex Melisa.
In the same month he became Noah’s father, Jelly married his wife Bunnie Xo. Although they do not have children together, Jelly has credited Bunnie for helping him become a better father.
“You’re talking about a woman who stepped in to raise a child that was soon to be born and another child that we were about to gain full custody of,” he shared with Billboard. “Without her, I would never have gotten custody of my daughter. I lacked the stability and resources.”
In June 2026, it was reported that Jelly had quietly filed for divorce from Bunnie after nearly a decade of marriage.
Continue reading to discover more about Jelly’s family:
Bunnie Xo
Jelly and Bunnie crossed paths in 2015 at one of his performances in Las Vegas. The following year, the couple eloped at the renowned Little White Wedding Chapel.
“It takes a unique woman to raise a child that isn’t her own and still treat that child as her own. Bunnie is that one-of-a-kind woman,” Jelly expressed via Facebook in May 2020, sharing a photo of Bunnie with his daughter. “She is nurturing, patient, and loving. Observing the beautiful bond that has developed between her and Bailee has been truly magical.”
In May 2026, Jelly discreetly filed for divorce in Tennessee, with Us Weekly confirming the news the following month. He cited “irreconcilable differences” and listed their separation date as May 9, 2026.
Us has reached out to representatives for both Jelly and Bunnie for comments.
Bailee Ann
In 2017, Jelly and Bunnie gained custody of Bailee when her mother faced struggles with drug addiction. During a February 2024 appearance on her stepmom’s “Dumb Blonde” podcast, Bailee discussed her own challenges while living with her mother.
“I was still using a lot of substances, but I wasn’t doing coke anymore because my mom wasn’t around,” the teenager reminisced, while Bunnie noted that her stepdaughter didn’t have access to harmful substances during that time. “Why would I? I didn’t have access; I didn’t have a need.”
While performing at Stagecoach in April 2024, Jelly invited his daughter on stage to celebrate her birthday.
“I don’t want to embarrass her, but my little girl is turning 15 today, and in about 10 days, she’ll be 16,” he announced to the audience at the festival, addressing some admiring young cowboys. “I see y’all! Stop it.”
Noah Buddy
Jelly announced the birth of his son in August 2016. “God bless this child to be everything I am not! Noah Buddy DeFord!” he proclaimed via Facebook. “I pray he and Bailee never have to bear the consequences of their father’s sins. More pictures will come tomorrow.”
Fast forward seven years, Noah was featured on his stepmother’s social media page. (Bunnie later revealed she obtained permission from Noah’s mother before sharing the footage.)
“My name is Noah, and my favorite color is red,” he introduced himself in a July 2023 TikTok video.
