Country Star Jelly Roll Surprises Fans with Daughter Bailee Ann Onstage at Stagecoach Festival

Jelly Roll Brings Daughter Bailee Ann to Stagecoach to See Guy Fieri

Jelly Roll, Bailee Ann, and Bunnie Xo were spotted at the T-Mobile Mane Stage during the 2024 Stagecoach Festival on April 26, 2024 in Indio, California. The photo was taken by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Stagecoach.

Stagecoach was a special family outing for Jelly Roll, who decided to bring his 15-year-old daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, along for a birthday surprise.

During the event in Indio, California on Friday, April 26, Jelly, 39, shared with the crowd, "I might seem a bit cheesy, but I wanted to earn some cool dad points. I actually pulled my daughter out of school today and flew her to California for this show. Let's keep this little secret from her teacher."

At the T-Mobile Mane Stage, Jelly, a popular performer, invited his wife Bunnie XO and daughter Bailee to join him for a special moment.

During his performance, Jelly shared a sweet anecdote about Bailee turning 16 soon. He humorously called out the audience members who were smiling at the mention of her age. Despite her dad's embarrassment, Bailee gave a friendly wave in response.

Jelly added that he “figured it’d be a really cool dad way to embarrass her” to have all of Stagecoach serenade her with “Happy Birthday.”

Jelly Roll Brings Daughter Bailee Ann to Stagecoach to See Guy Fieri

Guy Fieri, Jelly Roll, and Bailee Ann DeFord were spotted at Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse on Day 1 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 26, 2024 in Indio, California. Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach

Jelly Roll, aside from being a Friday night headliner, was also set to appear as a guest for an afternoon cooking demo in Flavortown, located at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Guy Fieri regularly invites country stars and pit masters to barbecue with him during Stagecoach, where they hand out samples to the audience and raise awareness for the Guy Fieri Foundation, his nonprofit organization that supports various charitable causes.

Photos captured Jelly Roll watching proudly as Bailee demonstrated her culinary skills on Friday. She skillfully chopped ingredients and cooked up peppers and onions on the grill, while her father, alongside singer Paul Cauthen, tenderized the meat.

Jelly, whose real name is Jason DeFord, shares Bailee with his ex-girlfriend Felicia. Bailee was born while he was serving time in prison for drug dealing in 2008. Recalling the moment he found out about his daughter's birth, Jelly shared with Billboard in June 2023 that a guard informed him during lockdown. This news sparked a realization within him, pushing him to make positive changes in his life for his daughter.

The artist attributes his improvement as a father to his wife. He acknowledges her role in caring for their soon-to-be-born child and helping him gain full custody of his daughter. He believes he wouldn't have been able to provide stability and financial support without her.

Jelly Roll Brings Daughter Bailee Ann to Stagecoach to See Guy Fieri

Paul Cauthen, Jelly Roll, Guy Fieri, and Bailee Ann DeFord are featured in a photo shared by Guy Fieri on Instagram.

He also has a son named Noah Buddy, who is 7 years old, with his ex-partner Melisa. Paul has mentioned that he shares more about Bailee's life because he does not have custody of Noah. Jelly and Bunnie co-parent with Melisa, who has primary custody of Noah, so they make sure to respect her wishes.

Bailee has been candid about facing challenges during her childhood, discussing her experiences in her father's Hulu documentary, Jelly Roll: Save Me. In the documentary, she shared, "I had a unique and difficult childhood. Both my dad and Bunnie did. These experiences are significant factors in why my mom is now in my life and sober." Despite moving on as a teenager and working through her past, Bailee acknowledges that her childhood experiences have shaped her into the person she is today.

Editor's P/S:

Jelly Roll's Stagecoach appearance with his daughter Bailee Ann was a heartwarming display of fatherly love and a testament to his personal growth. Despite his past struggles, Jelly has prioritized his family and is determined to be a positive influence in Bailee's life. Bailee's own resilience and maturity are also evident, as she openly discusses her childhood challenges and emphasizes the importance of overcoming adversity.

The article highlights the transformative power of family and support. Jelly credits his wife Bunnie with helping him become a better father, while Bailee acknowledges the role her mother has played in her recovery. The collaboration between Jelly, Bunnie, and Melisa in co-parenting Noah demonstrates their commitment to providing stability and love for their children. Ultimately, the story of Jelly Roll and his family is a reminder that redemption and growth are possible, and that the bonds of family can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.