Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, is a devoted father to two children from different relationships. His oldest child, who has faced criticism for her weight, was born during a pivotal time in his life—when he was serving time in prison. Reflecting on her impact, Jelly Roll has shared that her arrival profoundly “changed” his perspective and path.
The country music star’s life took a significant turn when his daughter, Bailee Ann, was born on May 22, 2008, while he was incarcerated at 23 for drug dealing. Struggling with despair, he recalled the moment a guard informed him of her birth, saying, “I have to figure this out right now.”
Though his focus on music and time in prison strained his relationship with Bailee’s mother, Felicia, her arrival became the catalyst for his journey toward change.
Jelly Roll at the 59th Academy of Country Music awards on May 16, 2024, in Frisco, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
Initially seeing fatherhood as another mistake, Jelly Roll’s perspective shifted after Bailee’s birth, inspiring him to seek self-improvement. Transferring to an education unit while incarcerated, he pursued his GED despite minimal schooling. To his surprise, he passed on the first try, saying, “I thought I was learning disabled. I walked in there and smacked that [expletive] out of the park.”
After his release, Jelly Roll worked to rebuild his relationship with Bailee, finally meeting her on her second birthday. Meanwhile, Felicia battled addiction that began with painkillers and escalated to heroin by age 24.
Her use progressed from snorting to injecting, with each method affecting her behavior differently. Despite their challenges, Jelly Roll and Felicia eventually established a co-parenting agreement for Bailee’s well-being.
Jelly Roll at the Spotify Best New Artist Party on February 1, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
By 2017, the rapper and his wife, Bunnie XO, had gained custody of Bailee, providing her with a stable home. Jelly Roll credits his spouse, whom he married in 2016, as instrumental in the process, calling her “a beacon of change in my life.”
Jelly Roll, Bailee Ann and Bunnie XO posing together, dated November 2024 | Source: Instagram/jellyroll615
Moreover, he has openly reflected on how fatherhood changed him, noting that Bailee’s birth made him realize he couldn’t be selfish anymore. It dawned on him that there was now someone who relied on him, calling it an “important task” and emphasizing, “I wanted to take it serious, and I did.”
Jelly Roll’s journey as a father came full circle when history repeated itself in an unexpected way. Just as his friends brought him to church at 14, Bailee invited him to a small church in 2022, an experience that deeply resonated with him.
“That little back-road church reminded me so much of this little church,” he shared, reflecting on Bailee’s struggles and how they mirrored his own as a teen. Inspired, the father of two scrapped most of the 70 songs he had written and created “Whitsitt Chapel,” an album tackling faith and addressing the hypocrisy he’s faced.
As Jelly Roll works to confront his own demons, he’s ensuring Bailee receives the support she needs, including therapy. “Her father was in jail when she was born. Her mother ended up hooked on heroin and disappeared,” he reflected in an interview, noting how these struggles inspire his music.
The singer views his life in two acts: Act 1, the person he was before Bailee, whom he calls “a less-than-desirable human,” and Act 2, the man he strives to be today, having made peace with his past. Building on his efforts to grow as a father and artist, Jelly Roll embraces the balance between his music career and parenting.
When asked about being a full-time musician and a father, he said, “It’s awesome,” proudly sharing that Bailee has inherited his passion for music. She plays both the piano and guitar, further strengthening their bond through a shared love of creativity.
Jelly Roll and Bailee’s shared love for music has also led to powerful collaborations. In 2020, the father-daughter duo released “Tears Could Talk,” a heartfelt song where Bailee channels the emotional weight of growing up with a mother battling addiction. These early hardships shaped her resilience, making her self-reliant at a young age.
Jelly Roll’s pride in Bailee shines through in every milestone, especially following his wins at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. Speaking to “Entertainment Tonight,” he shared, “She knows the story. She knows how real it is. I’m just proud of her.”
In a heartfelt message, he added, “I love you, Bailee Ann, so much. I thought about it the moment I walked off stage. You’ve changed my life in so many ways.”
Jelly Roll’s deep bond with Bailee has been a highlight of his life and career, often creating unforgettable moments. In August 2023, the two shared a special duet during a concert, where the proud parent thanked fans for transforming their lives.
“Not only have y’all changed my life, you’ve changed her life in ways that we can’t even describe,” he said, and asked the crowd for a “daddy and daughter moment.” When the audience cheered, Bailee playfully responded, “Sounds like a yes.”
Jelly Roll also reflected on Bailee’s musical journey, revealing how she turned to songwriting as therapy from a young age. Their collaboration on “Tears Could Talk,” written when she was just nine or ten, showcased her talent and the unique bond they share through music.
Building on that connection, Jelly Roll created another unforgettable moment during his April 2024 Stagecoach performance. He brought his then-15-year-old daughter on stage to celebrate her upcoming 16th birthday.
Leading the crowd in a sing-along, he joked about embarrassing her in a “cool dad way.” Joined by his wife, Bunnie, he thanked fans for their support, sharing that they had helped “break generational curses,” making the moment truly special.
Bailee Ann and Jelly Roll attend the world premiere of the documentary “Jelly Roll: Save Me,” 2023 | Source: Getty Images
However, Jelly Roll’s bond with Bailee has not shielded them from public scrutiny. In early 2024, Bunnie took to TikTok to defend her husband and stepdaughter against trolls criticizing their weight.
She noted that weight struggles are often tied to eating disorders and emphasized that those facing such challenges already endure enough negativity from the world without added criticism from loved ones. The podcaster also shared that while she decides what to eat, she avoids forcing him into anything to prevent resentment.
Bunnie, who met her spouse in 2015, emphasized her unconditional love, noting that Jelly Roll had already lost 280 pounds. While genetics and a history of eating disorders contribute to his emotional eating and weight, her care doesn’t equate to enabling.
Addressing comments about Bailee, the doting stepmother responded, “For you to even come on my page and say something about my underage daughter’s body shows the type of human you are.” She expressed hope that such negativity would reflect back on those who spread it, affirming her family’s resilience against online criticism.
Bunnie’s heartfelt defense of her family highlights the deep love and support they share, despite public scrutiny. In addition to now-16-year-old Bailee, her husband is also a devoted father to his 8-year-old son, Noah Buddy, whom he welcomed in 2016.
In July 2023, Bunnie introduced Jelly Roll’s son in an Instagram post, sharing that Noah lives primarily with his mother, Melisa, but all three co-parents maintain a positive and collaborative relationship.
Jelly Roll, while respecting Noah and Melisa’s privacy, embraces his role as a father and avoids talking about his son in interviews. However, his wife has shared glimpses of him online. In a TikTok clip, Bunnie filmed Noah sharing fun facts about himself, including his love for soccer, the beach, and his sister, offering a rare and lighthearted look into the family dynamic.
Bailee Ann DeFord and Jelly Roll attend Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse on Day 1 of the Stagecoach Festival on April 26, 2024, in Indio, California. | Source: Getty Images
Bailee Ann DeFord at Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse on Day 1 of the Stagecoach Festival on April 26, 2024, in Indio, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jelly Roll’s journey as a father, husband, and artist reflects his resilience and unwavering commitment to his family. Through love, music, and determination, he continues to break generational cycles and inspire others with his story.
