Jelly Roll, the celebrated country singer, has been making headlines not just for his music, but also for his remarkable weight loss journey. This transformation is a testament to his dedication to health, wellness, and achieving personal goals. This article delves into Jelly Roll's motivations, methods, and the impact of his journey on his life and career.
Motivation and Goals
Jelly Roll's decision to prioritize his health stemmed from a desire to improve his overall well-being and unlock new experiences. As he humorously shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in April, he wanted to be under 250 pounds to "do all the fun stuff in life." His bucket list included activities like skydiving, riding roller coasters, wrestling an alligator, and riding a bull - all of which had weight restrictions.
In an October 2024 episode of On Purpose With Jay Shetty, the singer, born Jason DeFord, openly discussed the connection between obesity and mental health, stating, "I've always said that I believe obesity is directly connected to mental health." This acknowledgment highlights the emotional and psychological aspects driving his transformation.
Initial Success and Continued Efforts
Jelly Roll has been vocal about his weight goals and revealed in August that he had lost 200 pounds. He told E! News in February about a trip to Arizona that month, "I hiked a mountain the other day. Camelback."
His mantra, as he shared with People in a June 2025 interview, is "'something is better than nothing.'" This approach emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and small, sustainable changes.
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Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle
Jelly Roll's journey involves a significant overhaul of his relationship with food. He is diligently learning and making conscious choices to support his health. While specific details of his diet and exercise plan have not been extensively shared, his comments suggest a focus on moderation and consistent effort. He shared in May 2025 at the Inaugural Beacher Vitality Happy & Healthy Summit, noting that just giving up bread made a big difference, "It’s not an overnight thing, but it took a lot of trial and error".
Bunnie XO's Support and Perspective
Bunnie XO, Jelly Roll's wife, has been a steadfast supporter throughout his weight loss journey. She has publicly addressed backhanded compliments about her husband's appearance, emphasizing that his worth and appeal have always been inherent, regardless of his weight.
In a video, Bunnie XO shared that she has received comments that said, “Girl, your man is so hot now that he lost all that weight.” She replied in the video, “Is he? Because he’s always had the same face. He’s always had the same heart. He’s always had the same soul.” She advised fans that “I think the most appropriate thing here to say is that he looks so much more healthier now that he’s lost weight. We got to stop living in a ‘Shallow Hal’ world guys,” referencing the 2001 comedy about superficiality. “Because you know what? You might miss out on the best love of your life by judging somebody by their weight.”
She further gushed about her husband in the caption, adding, “He’s been that dude. I’ll forever be cheering him on no matter what weight he is.”
Her perspective highlights the importance of focusing on health and well-being rather than superficial physical attributes.
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Celebrating Milestones and Achievements
Jelly Roll's weight loss has enabled him to achieve personal milestones he previously thought were out of reach. His hike up Camelback Mountain in Arizona was a significant accomplishment, symbolizing his progress and determination.
He even joked during a speech to the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 6, “I lost 200 pounds. I told coach I’m getting a contract if I lose another 50.”
Redefining Style and Confidence
As Jelly Roll has become healthier, he has also embraced new fashion choices that reflect his newfound confidence. An Instagram post from September 16 showcased him in a navy blue coat, pairing it with an all-black outfit. He wrote, "I can fit in Louis Vuitton now. Pray for my bank account," and showed love to Pharrell Williams, who is the luxury brand’s artistic director of menswear.
He debuted the look when he performed at the Grace for the World concert and met Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 13, achievements he gushed over on Instagram. “From rock bottom to holy ground,” the “I Am Not Okay” star captioned the photo of him smiling and shaking hands with the Pope.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others
Jelly Roll's journey has not been without its challenges. Overhauling one's lifestyle and relationship with food requires immense discipline and perseverance. However, his transparency and willingness to share his experiences have resonated with many, inspiring others to embark on their own health journeys.
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A Broader Perspective on Weight Loss
Jelly Roll's story is part of a larger conversation about weight, health, and body image in the public eye. Other celebrities, such as John Goodman, Jazz Jennings, and Lizzo, have also shared their experiences with weight loss, contributing to a more open and nuanced dialogue.
John Goodman, who once weighed "pushing 400" pounds, as he told David Letterman in 2010, told ABC News in 2016, “I just got tired, sick and tired of looking at myself,” adding, “You’re shaving in the mirror and you don’t want to look at yourself.
Jazz Jennings embarked on a diet-and-fitness journey in 2022, explaining on Instagram two years later, “I finally care about myself after years of neglecting my health. I had truly let myself go when it came to eating.
“Even at the end of my weight loss journey, I'm not going to be considered thin by any means,” Lizzo said. “Let this be a reminder that you can do anything-anything-you set your mind to,” she added. “Now I guess it’s time to set new goals.”
Oprah Winfrey has also been a prominent voice in this conversation, aiming to "start releasing the stigma and the shame and the judgment-to stop shaming other people for being overweight or how they choose to lose or not lose weight-and more importantly to stop shaming ourselves."
From Hip-Hop to Country: A Career Overview
Jason Bradley DeFord, professionally known as Jelly Roll, was born on December 4, 1984. He launched his career in hip-hop, drawing inspiration from rappers such as Three 6 Mafia, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG. He sold mixtapes out of his car, starting with a string of releases from his first project, The Plain Shmear Tape, in 2003 then following with the four-part Gamblin' on the White Boy series from 2004 to 2011. His 2010 collaboration "Pop Another Pill" with Memphis rapper Lil Wyte reached over 6.3 million YouTube views.
Over the next few years, Jelly Roll released many mixtapes and independent solo albums including collaborations with Lil Wyte, Struggle Jennings, Haystak, and Tech N9ne. Jelly Roll's 2013 mixtape Whiskey, Weed, & Women was originally named Whiskey, Weed, & Waffle House, but was later changed after Waffle House threatened legal action over the use of their name and logo on the cover.
In recent years, Jelly Roll has transitioned to country music, achieving significant success in the genre. Jelly Roll made his Grand Ole Opry debut on November 9, 2021. On July 7, 2022, he was invited by fellow country singer Craig Morgan to join him on stage at the Opry to perform "Almost Home". On May 9, 2022, Jelly Roll scored his first number one on rock radio with the track "Dead Man Walking". In January 2023, Jelly Roll scored his first number-one song on country radio with his debut country single "Son of a Sinner", written by himself, Ernest, and David Ray Stevens. Jelly Roll released his ninth studio album, Whitsitt Chapel, featuring the single "Need a Favor" on June 2, 2023.
His accolades include the New Artist of the Year award at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards in November 2023. He has also received nominations for several other awards, including iHeartRadio Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
Advocacy and Personal Beliefs
Beyond his music and weight loss journey, Jelly Roll is an advocate for important social causes. In 2024, DeFord testified before the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in support of Sen. Tim Scott's Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act. "I was a part of the problem. I am here now, standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution … I brought my community down. I hurt people."
DeFord returned to his Christian faith when he was 39 and his daughter, who was 14 at the time, expressed an interest in being baptized. "I should go see what kind of cult she's going to," he recalled thinking, "because that's kind of how I looked at church at that time. And then I went, and I was reminded of the genuineness that can be in those walls, too.
Legal Matters and Collaborations
In April 2024, Jelly Roll was sued by Pennsylvania-based wedding band Jellyroll for trademark infringement. The case was later settled out of court. In June 2024, he appeared in the country music documentary Rebel Country.
He appeared in its music video released the following month. On July 8, Jelly Roll made his first international appearance at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario. On August 23, 2024, Jelly Roll announced his tenth studio album, Beautifully Broken.
Television Appearances and WWE
Jelly Roll made his television debut on the television drama series Tulsa King with Sylvester Stallone. The episode was released in September 2024 and featured Jelly Roll performing a rendition of "I Am Not Okay". He also appeared in Fire Country as Noah, a nursing home worker who gives Vince Leone positive advice.
Jelly Roll started making appearances for the American professional wrestling promotion WWE with a performance at SummerSlam 2024, after which he delivered a chokeslam and a chair shot to both Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. On July 11, 2025, Jelly Roll performed on WWE SmackDown where he was interrupted by Logan Paul, setting up a rivalry with Paul and Drew McIntyre and an alliance with Randy Orton.