ArtistDirect News
Jelly Roll Files for Divorce From Wife Bunnie XO After Nearly a Decade of Marriage
Jelly Roll, the country‑rap star known for hits such as "Son of a Sinner," filed for divorce from his wife, media producer Bunnie XO, on May 18, 2026. The filing was confirmed by court documents in Williamson County, Tennessee, and reported by outlets including USA Today, WSMV, and Billboard.
The couple wed in Las Vegas in August 2016, after meeting a year earlier. Their marriage lasted just over nine years before the couple announced their separation. The divorce filing comes shortly after the pair appeared together at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where they were photographed holding hands on the red carpet.
Jelly Roll’s real name is Jason Bradley DeFord. He has built a career that blends hip‑hop, rock, and country, earning three CMT Music Awards in 2023 and a CMA Award for New Artist the same year. In 2026 he won three Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary Country Album for his tenth studio album, Beautifully Broken.
Bunnie XO, born Alisa DeFord, is a podcast host and media producer. She founded Dumb Blonde Productions and hosts the Dumb Blonde Podcast, which features long‑form conversations with entertainment industry figures. She has been a public partner to Jelly Roll since their marriage and has been involved in his family life.
The couple have no biological children together. Jelly Roll is the father of two children from previous relationships:
* Bailee Ann DeFord – born May 22, 2008 to former girlfriend Felicia Beckwith. Bailee is now 17. Jelly Roll has said that learning of her birth while he was incarcerated motivated him to change his life. She has occasionally appeared with her father at public events and has spoken publicly about her upbringing.
Noah Buddy DeFord – born August 23, 2016 to a woman named Melisa. Noah was born just days before the couple’s wedding. The family has kept him largely out of the public eye. In an August 2023 interview with Taste of Country*, Jelly Roll explained that he and Bunnie respect Noah’s privacy and that the child’s mother’s wishes are honored.
Bunnie XO has acted as a stepmother to both children. She has taken on a parental role with Bailee, who lives with the couple, and has been supportive of Noah’s upbringing while respecting the boundaries set by his mother. According to reports, the family maintains a co‑parenting arrangement that prioritizes the children’s well‑being.
The divorce filing does not yet detail custody arrangements or financial settlements. Both parties have not issued public statements beyond the court filing. The case is still pending in Williamson County.
The announcement of the divorce comes at a time when Jelly Roll’s career is at a high point. His recent Grammy wins and continued touring schedule have kept him in the public eye. Bunnie XO’s media work has also maintained her visibility, especially through her podcast, which has featured guests from the music industry.
The divorce marks the end of a partnership that began with a spontaneous marriage proposal on stage in Las Vegas. The couple’s public image has often highlighted their collaborative efforts in music and media, and their shared commitment to their children.
As the legal process unfolds, industry observers note that the split could affect future collaborations between the two. However, no statements have been made regarding potential changes to Jelly Roll’s touring or Bunnie XO’s production projects.
The case remains a private family matter, and the public will likely learn more only as the court proceedings progress. For now, the focus remains on the personal lives of the two artists and their children.
The couple wed in Las Vegas in August 2016, after meeting a year earlier. Their marriage lasted just over nine years before the couple announced their separation. The divorce filing comes shortly after the pair appeared together at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where they were photographed holding hands on the red carpet.
Jelly Roll’s real name is Jason Bradley DeFord. He has built a career that blends hip‑hop, rock, and country, earning three CMT Music Awards in 2023 and a CMA Award for New Artist the same year. In 2026 he won three Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary Country Album for his tenth studio album, Beautifully Broken.
Bunnie XO, born Alisa DeFord, is a podcast host and media producer. She founded Dumb Blonde Productions and hosts the Dumb Blonde Podcast, which features long‑form conversations with entertainment industry figures. She has been a public partner to Jelly Roll since their marriage and has been involved in his family life.
The couple have no biological children together. Jelly Roll is the father of two children from previous relationships:
* Bailee Ann DeFord – born May 22, 2008 to former girlfriend Felicia Beckwith. Bailee is now 17. Jelly Roll has said that learning of her birth while he was incarcerated motivated him to change his life. She has occasionally appeared with her father at public events and has spoken publicly about her upbringing.
Noah Buddy DeFord – born August 23, 2016 to a woman named Melisa. Noah was born just days before the couple’s wedding. The family has kept him largely out of the public eye. In an August 2023 interview with Taste of Country*, Jelly Roll explained that he and Bunnie respect Noah’s privacy and that the child’s mother’s wishes are honored.
Bunnie XO has acted as a stepmother to both children. She has taken on a parental role with Bailee, who lives with the couple, and has been supportive of Noah’s upbringing while respecting the boundaries set by his mother. According to reports, the family maintains a co‑parenting arrangement that prioritizes the children’s well‑being.
The divorce filing does not yet detail custody arrangements or financial settlements. Both parties have not issued public statements beyond the court filing. The case is still pending in Williamson County.
The announcement of the divorce comes at a time when Jelly Roll’s career is at a high point. His recent Grammy wins and continued touring schedule have kept him in the public eye. Bunnie XO’s media work has also maintained her visibility, especially through her podcast, which has featured guests from the music industry.
The divorce marks the end of a partnership that began with a spontaneous marriage proposal on stage in Las Vegas. The couple’s public image has often highlighted their collaborative efforts in music and media, and their shared commitment to their children.
As the legal process unfolds, industry observers note that the split could affect future collaborations between the two. However, no statements have been made regarding potential changes to Jelly Roll’s touring or Bunnie XO’s production projects.
The case remains a private family matter, and the public will likely learn more only as the court proceedings progress. For now, the focus remains on the personal lives of the two artists and their children.