Jelly Roll, the American rapper, singer, and songwriter, has been making headlines not only for his music but also for his remarkable weight loss journey. This article delves into his transformation, the support he's received, and the positive impact it's having on his life and career.
Jelly Roll's Transformation and Goals
Jason Bradley DeFord, known professionally as Jelly Roll, has been vocal about his weight goals. In August, he revealed he had lost 200 pounds. During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in April, he stated his goal was to be under 250 pounds. He expressed that being under 250 pounds would allow him to experience more of life's adventures, such as skydiving, riding a roller coaster, riding a bull and wrestling an alligator. He has a list of things he wants to do.
In April 2025, he told Pat McAfee, "I started at 540 pounds and I was 357 pounds this morning".
Celebrating Milestones
Jelly Roll celebrated a major milestone in his weight loss journey with an Instagram post showcasing his slimmed-down figure in a Louis Vuitton outfit. "I can fit in Louis Vuitton now. Pray for my bank account," he wrote in the caption.
He also showed love to Pharrell Williams, who is the luxury brand’s artistic director of menswear.
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Bunnie XO: An Unwavering Supporter
Bunnie XO, Jelly Roll’s wife since 2016, has been a constant source of support throughout his journey. She has defended her husband against backhanded compliments about his weight loss, emphasizing that his worth isn't tied to his size.
Bunnie XO called out social media users who have left backhanded compliments about her husband’s weight loss journey in her comments. Podcaster Bunnie XO shared she has received comments recently that said, “Girl, your man is so hot now that he lost all that weight.” She replied in the video. “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 on a better way to compliment the singer. “I think the most appropriate thing here is 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,” she continued, 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.”In the caption she further gushed about her husband, adding, “He’s been that dude. I’ll forever be cheering him on no matter what weight he is.” She also included the hashtag “jellyandbunnie.”
She celebrated her husband's accomplishment, writing, "The hunkiest hunk of them all 😍," in the comments section of his Instagram post.
Fan Support and Positive Messages
Jelly Roll's fans have also shown their support, leaving positive messages and cheering him on in the comments section of his posts. One fan wrote, "Wow, transformation looks good on you! Bless! 🙌" and another added, "Looking fresh sir🔥🙌🏻 - you deserve it."
Healthier Lifestyle and Activities
Jelly Roll's weight loss has enabled him to pursue a more active lifestyle. He told E! News in February, referencing his trip to Arizona that month, “I hiked a mountain the other day. Camelback,”
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Addressing Obesity and Mental Health
Jelly Roll has been open about his belief that obesity is directly connected to mental health. He explained on an October 2024 episode of On Purpose With Jay Shetty, "I've always said that I believe obesity is directly connected to mental health,". He said. “I'm learning, I'm being very diligent with it,”
In a June 2025 interview with People, he shared, “My mantra is ‘something is better than nothing".
From Hip-Hop to Country: A Musical Journey
Jelly Roll launched his career in hip-hop, inspired by 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 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.
Recent Career Highlights
Jelly Roll released his ninth studio album, Whitsitt Chapel, featuring the single "Need a Favor" on June 2, 2023. In November 2023, Jelly Roll won the award for New Artist of the Year at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards.
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In June 2024, he appeared in the country music documentary Rebel Country. The film opens with a reenactment of his arrest in Tennessee. In July 2024, Jelly Roll was featured on Eminem's twelfth album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), on the track "Somebody Save Me", which sampled his song "Save Me". 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.
Jelly Roll is featured on the song "Amen" by American musician Shaboozey, released on April 25, 2025.
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. Jelly Roll appeared at Saturday Night's Main Event XL the next night, aiding Orton in his match against McIntyre and attempted to fend off Paul, establishing himself as a babyface. It was subsequently announced that Jelly Roll would compete in a tag team match with Orton against McIntyre and Paul at that years SummerSlam.
Personal Life and Faith
Jelly Roll has been married to his wife Alyssa DeFord, known as "Bunnie XO", since 2016. 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.
Testifying Before the Senate
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.
Meeting the Pope
Earlier in the week, the singer performed his hit song, "Hard Fought Hallelujah" at the Grace for the World event in Vatican City on Saturday, Sept. 13, and was able to meet Pope Leo XIV. He wore an all-black suit to the event. "From rock bottom to holy ground," he wrote in the caption, before adding the bible verse: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Overcoming Past Struggles
Jelly Roll has been open about his troubled past, which includes convictions for drug possession, drug dealing, shoplifting and aggravated robbery. He wants to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be - to let them know that change is truly possible.