Jelly Roll, the Tennessee-born country music star who transitioned from hip-hop to country and soared to fame with multiple award wins and a 2024 Grammy nomination, has captured the hearts of many with his music and his personal life. A common question among fans is whether Jelly Roll is married. The answer is a resounding yes.
Jelly Roll is married to Bunnie XO, a podcaster and social media personality with nearly 10 million followers. Their relationship, full of unique moments and genuine affection, has been a subject of interest since they met in 2015. This article dives into the timeline, key moments, rumors, and current status of their relationship, unveiling the inspiring story behind one of country music’s beloved couples.
How Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Met
The story of Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) and Bunnie XO (also known as Alyssa DeFord) began in 2015 in Las Vegas. They first crossed paths backstage at one of Jelly Roll’s concerts at the Country Saloon. At the time, Bunnie was in a difficult relationship but was already a huge fan of Jelly Roll’s music. Although their initial connection started as friendship, once Bunnie became single, she proactively reached out to Jelly Roll through mutual friends to pursue a romantic relationship.
Jelly Roll has openly shared that it was really Bunnie who made the first move, saying in an interview, “I’m not going to act like I shot my shot. She kind of shot hers.” Bunnie also played a vital role in supporting Jelly Roll as he was living in a van and hustling to establish his music career during that time.
The Surprise Engagement and Wedding in 2016
After a year of dating, Jelly Roll’s love story took an exciting turn. In August 2016, while performing on stage at a Yelawolf and Deftones concert in Las Vegas, Jelly Roll proposed to Bunnie XO in an impromptu and heartfelt moment. But the surprise didn’t end there. The couple didn’t waste any time — they decided to get married that very same night at a nearby courthouse before it closed.
Jelly Roll recounted the whirlwind event, saying, “It was Vegas, right? So, it’s like 11 o’clock. They are closing the joint down by Hard Rock [Cafe], and I’m like, ‘F*** it. Let’s just go now.’ She’s like, ‘The courthouse is open for about 34 to 44 more minutes.’ I was like, ‘Let’s f***ing roll.’” This spontaneous wedding sealed their bond and kicked off their married life
Relationship Milestones and Public Appearances
Since their 2016 wedding, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have maintained a strong relationship through the ups and downs of the celebrity spotlight. One of their significant public moments came in 2022 when Bunnie accompanied Jelly Roll to his first-ever red carpet appearance at the CMA Awards in Nashville. This event marked a milestone for the couple, showcasing their unity in a highly publicized setting.
In 2023, Jelly Roll won the prestigious CMA Award for New Artist of the Year. In his acceptance speech, he gave an emotional shoutout to Bunnie XO, saying, “I got a thousand people to thank, but most importantly, my Lord and my wife. I love you so much. You changed my life.” Later that year, the couple renewed their wedding vows at the same Las Vegas chapel where they originally tied the knot, a gesture reflecting their continuing commitment and love.
Family Life and Support System
Beyond their romantic moments, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO form a blended family. Bunnie XO is a stepmother to Jelly Roll’s two children, daughter Bailee and son Noah, from previous relationships. Their family dynamics appear healthy and supportive, with both partners often recognizing each other’s contributions toward personal and professional growth.
Bunnie has her own thriving public presence as a podcaster and influencer with nearly 10 million followers on social media platforms. Together, they illustrate a balance between individual success and mutual support rarely seen in the fast-moving world of celebrity relationships.
Rumors and Reality
Like many public figures, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s relationship has faced speculation and rumors over the years. However, the couple has consistently displayed transparency and unity through updates and social media posts. Their vow renewal and heartfelt public acknowledgments have largely dispelled rumors of separation or troubles.
Their genuine interactions in interviews and social media reflections portray a couple deeply committed to each other’s wellbeing, often emphasizing love, trust, and partnership as the foundation of their bond.
Current Status and Jelly Roll’s Rising Career
As of 2025, Jelly Roll continues to rise as a major country music star with substantial streaming numbers and award nominations. Bunnie XO remains an influential figure in her own right with estimates placing her social media following near 10 million followers.
Their relationship appears stronger than ever, with recent public vow renewals and Instagram celebrations showcasing their happiness and shared journey. Fans of Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO look forward to more milestones from this inspiring couple as Jelly Roll’s musical achievements grow alongside their enduring personal love story.
Conclusion
Jelly Roll is indeed married, and his relationship with wife Bunnie XO stands out as a beautiful testament to love found unexpectedly and nurtured with devotion. From their chance meeting in 2015 to a spontaneous courthouse wedding in 2016, and their recent vow renewal in 2023, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have crafted a narrative of romance and resilience.
Their journey together highlights not only romantic love but also partnership, family, and mutual growth amid the demands of fame. As Jelly Roll continues to build his music legacy, his marriage to Bunnie XO remains a source of strength and inspiration that resonates with fans around the world.