The Love Journey of Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO: From Vows Exchanged in Las Vegas to Forever
Jelly Roll and wife Bunnie XO's love story began in 2015 when they met in Las Vegas A year later, they sealed their commitment with a wedding Their journey continued through the years, marked by significant moments in August 2016, May 2020, November 2022, April 2023, July 2023, and August 2023
Jelly Roll, also known as Jason Bradley DeFord, has found an angel in his wife, Bunnie XO, despite considering himself the son of a sinner.
Having experienced two periods of imprisonment, the first for aggravated robbery at the age of 16, and the second for drug dealing at 23, the "Save Me" singer found solace in his relationship with Bunnie (full name Bunnie DeFord), whom he married in 2016. Additionally, Bunnie has proven to be a loving stepmother to Jelly Roll's two children, Bailee and Noah, from previous relationships.
The couple has been a steady support for each other as their individual careers have thrived. In 2020, Bunnie launched her own podcast and media company called "Dumb Blonde." Jelly Roll, on the other hand, transitioned from being a hip-hop artist since 2003 to becoming a rising star in country music in 2020.
Expressing her admiration and love for Jelly Roll, Bunnie shared on Instagram in November 2023, ahead of his performance at the 2023 CMA Awards, how he has worked hard to achieve his dream and how proud she is of him. She wholeheartedly supports him and looks forward to his performance.
Scroll down to see Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s love story from the beginning:
2015
The pair met at one of Jelly Roll’s Las Vegas shows.
Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
August 2016
The twosome tied the knot at a Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas nearly one year after first crossing paths.
May 2020
Jelly Roll expressed his admiration for his wife, Bunnie, on Facebook. Alongside a photo of his wife with his daughter, whom they welcomed into their home in 2016, he acknowledged the unique qualities she possesses. Despite her involvement in social media, podcasting, and various business ventures, Jelly Roll described Bunnie as a remarkable individual with a beautiful soul. He commended her kindness, patience, and care towards his daughter, Bailee. Observing their relationship flourish into a magical mother-daughter bond over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary.
He exclaimed: "I have truly been fortunate to have the best life partner I could have wished for. You exemplify what it means to be a wonderful mother and deserve more recognition than anyone else, because you didn't have to take on the responsibilities that you did. You made the choice to step up, and wow, you have exceeded all expectations. Thank you, Mama Bear — we adore you."
Jason Davis/WireImage
November 2022
"We instantly clicked. She said she was drawn to the most sorrowful eyes in the venue," revealed the artist behind "Need a Favor" in an interview with Taste of Country Nights' host Evan Paul in November 2022, recounting how he encountered his significant other. "I won't pretend like I made the first move. It was actually her who initiated. We had common acquaintances. She approached me and said, 'Hey. Just connect me with Jelly.' And I responded in a similar vein. I said, 'Hey. I'll be coming out to film some content and videos. And she replied, 'Yeah! Let's do it!' I then casually mentioned, 'Well, I'm currently living in my van, so I should probably leave now.'"
Later that month, the pair made their red carpet debut at the 2022 CMA Awards in Nashville.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT
April 2023
Bunnie expressed her admiration for her husband when he was honored with three CMT Music Awards, specifically for his outstanding achievements in Male Video of the Year, Male Breakthrough Video of the Year, and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year for his chart-topping hit "Son of a Sinner."
“You were tasked with demolishing stereotypes and paving the way for those who have been marginalized,” she stated in an Instagram post. “Expressing my pride in you feels incredibly repetitive after all these years, therefore, this evening I am once again left in complete admiration of you. You are the guiding light for those who have lost their way, the master of melancholy … tonight was your moment to shine. In fact, if we're being honest, 2023 has been your time to shine. You have filled their hearts with love and brought them solace. I can hardly wait to witness what the future holds for you.”
July 2023
Jelly Roll expressed his admiration for his wife, Bunnie, through an Instagram post celebrating her podcast launch and her decision to leave her previous profession as a high-end escort behind. He acknowledged that while his own story has garnered attention, Bunnie's journey has moved him the most. From the moment they met, he has been inspired by her resilience, determination, and ability to overcome obstacles. During one of his darkest periods, she was his savior, providing unwavering support.
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Jelly Roll marveled at Bunnie's ability to establish her own platform, podcast, and team without any assistance from him. She was determined to create something independent of her label as "Jelly Roll's wife" and instead, build an empire that empowers women and shares her story, with the hope of inspiring others to transform their lives and find happiness. Witnessing her success and growth has been truly incredible for him, and he expressed his unwavering happiness and support for her. Together, they aim to make a positive impact on the world, one step at a time.
Theo Wargo/WireImage
August 2023
The couple celebrated their anniversary by renewing their vows in Las Vegas. Reflecting on their special night, Jelly Roll expressed his regret about not seeing his wife in a wedding dress when they first got married. However, he made it right by ensuring she wore one during their vow renewal. He also promised to give her the life she truly deserves. Bunnie, on the other hand, shared pictures from the intimate ceremony and referred to her spouse as her missing puzzle piece, her safe space, and the man who brings out her feminine energy. She proclaimed her love for him and toasted to their luck in finding each other, with a playful reference to the saying "the house always wins."
