Jelly Roll's 120-Lb. Weight Loss Leads to Unexpected Body Changes

Times, they are a-changin’ for Jelly Roll.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as: In a recent update, my wife Bunnie XO (whom I married in 2016) has shared some fascinating insights about my physical transformation. It’s not just about the significant weight loss; there have been other changes too, such as the growth of body hair in unexpected areas.

In a TikTok video posted on March 11, Bunnie mentioned that they’ve been together with this man for nearly a decade. She humorously noted that recently, he started growing hair on his chest.

In the video, Alyssa DeFord (also known as Bunnie) focused on Jelly’s chest area to highlight his freshly grown hair, which the “All My Life” singer, Jason Bradley DeFord, humorously objected to.

Jelly exclaimed, ‘Move away from my hair!’ just as he fastened his coat. Then he jokingly added, ‘Please cover up your neckline!’

During a light-hearted conversation, Bunnie, who has children Bailee (aged 16) and Noah (8) with the singer, playfully inquired of her spouse, “At what point did you grow chest hair? What’s going on?

I’ve got to say, I’m absolutely thrilled about Jelly Roll’s latest metamorphosis! It’s not just the new body hair that’s caught my eye, but the incredible transformation he’s been undergoing. You see, this country crooner has shed an astonishing 120 pounds since he made health his top priority back in February 2023, and let me tell you, it’s truly inspiring! His weight loss journey is far from over, and I can’t wait to see where it takes him next.

Jelly shared with TopMob News that they climbed a mountain just yesterday. It’s fantastic to witness such progress, as I couldn’t have done it earlier on, but it’s encouraging to know that things are moving forward for us.

The artist serving as Artist in Residence on “American Idol,” who’s publicly discussed his battles with addiction and past imprisonment for serious robbery and narcotics offenses, is actively seeking means to remain inspired.

He went on to say, “I don’t always feel focused or positive, but what drives me and keeps me going are the individuals I’ve encountered at juvenile facilities, rehab centers, and prisons. These people have the courage to share their sobriety milestones with me, or tell me about their struggles, or someone they’ve had to let go.

Throughout his health voyage, Jelly keeps finding motivation, with an even greater ambition always within sight.

He expressed his desire during a December episode of Bunnie’s Dumb Blonde podcast, stating, “I aspire to grace the cover of Men’s Health by March 2026. That’s my latest ambition. I aim to achieve one of the most remarkable transformations.

In response, his wife shouted in support, “Let’s go!”

To delve further into the story of how Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have stood by each other and nurtured their love throughout the years, continue on…

The love story between Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll started in Las Vegas. As she shared on the podcast ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’, she first encountered the singer in August 2015 at the Las Vegas Country Club when he was performing. At that time, before he became famous, Jelly Roll was living in a van, and there were approximately 20 people present for the show.

Despite their differences – Bunnie wasn’t his type, and he was a Taylor Swift fan – their connection was undeniable. “When I met him,” she said on the podcast in 2023, “my soul was like, ‘There you are.'” However, they didn’t form a romantic relationship immediately. Bunnie was involved in an unhealthy relationship at the time, and Jelly Roll was focused on his own life. But they reconnected in October 2015, and Bunnie admitted she was smitten.

After her ex went to prison, she gave her friend permission to share her phone number with Jelly Roll. He would call and text her for advice regarding his daughter Bailee from a previous relationship. Their relationship transformed from platonic to romantic in July 2016 when they slept together after a night of heavy drinking. They discussed their future goals, and Bunnie recalled Jelly Roll saying, “OK, cool. Let’s do it.

After that, Bunnie revealed on ‘Bussin’ With The Boys,’ they got married a month later in August 2016 at Las Vegas’ Stained Glass Wedding Chapel, fulfilling their five-year plan. In addition, another goal of Bunnie’s was to start her own podcast. As she stepped out of the sex work industry in 2019, Jelly Roll expressed on ‘The Howard Stern Show’ in June 2024 that he and Bunnie were discussing her passion for a talk show. Later in 2019, Bunnie launched her own podcast, ‘Dumb Blonde,’ and used the money she had earned to support Jelly Roll’s dreams. Furthermore, Bunnie invested in his 2017 album ‘Addiction Kills’ and helped him with obtaining custody of his daughter.

In 2008, while I was serving time for drug dealing, my precious daughter Bailee entered the world. Little did she know, she would be the one to save me. This is what I shared in my 2023 documentary ‘Jelly Roll: Save Me.’

Bailee met me when she was just two years old, at a time when I was embarking on my music journey and living in my van. Admittedly, I wasn’t the most involved father back then, but that all changed as I fought for full custody amid her mother’s struggles with addiction.

My partner Bunnie played an instrumental role during this tumultuous period. On the ‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ podcast, she revealed how she funded a lawyer and supported our legal battle to gain custody of Bailee. Our lives were at a crossroads, and we both made a conscious decision to turn things around.

As Bunnie put it in the documentary, “Who were we to take her away from her mother and bring her into our chaotic life if we were still caught up in our addictions? What makes us any better?” That question resonated with me deeply, and it prompted both of us to make a commitment to change. Bunnie stopped using drugs that very day, and I can honestly say I’ve never looked back since.

Bunnie also took on the role of a mother for Bailee. For my daughter’s Sweet 16 birthday in 2024, Bunnie wrote a heartfelt message: “Thank you Papa Roll for giving me the opportunity to be the mom I never had. But most importantly—Thank you to the sweetest, sassiest 16-year-old for teaching me the most healing life lessons ever these past 8 years & letting me be your mama.”

These words serve as a testament to Bailee’s transformative impact on our lives. She not only saved me but also helped us both find a path to redemption and sobriety.

In August 2016, just before Jelly Roll married Bunnie and while he was pursuing custody of Bailee, their son Noah was born. The “Need a Favor” artist expressed his feelings on Facebook after the birth, saying “God Bless this Child to be everything I am not!” He also prayed that neither Noah nor Bailee would ever have to bear the consequences of their father’s mistakes.

Over the years, Jelly Roll and Bunnie have kept most aspects of Noah’s life private, but they occasionally share glimpses into his world. For example, in July 2023, Bunnie posted a TikTok where she asked Noah questions about his favorite sport (soccer) and preferred beach activities (playing in the water). She made sure to mention that she had sought permission from his mother before posting the video, commenting “always mama approved first.”

Jelly Roll, Bunnie, and Noah’s mother maintain a good relationship. In a 2023 Facebook post, Bunnie praised Noah’s mother, saying “she’s one stand-up chick & we couldn’t imagine our lives without her,” adding that she holds things together for Noah and them, especially since they are often on the road.

Bunnie also enjoys being Noah’s stepmother. In an October 2024 Instagram post, she expressed her gratitude for being in Noah’s life since his birth, saying “I’m not one to get emotional but just being in this little boy’s life since the day he was born is such a privilege.” She also thanked Noah’s mother for their relationship.

Two years after their marriage in 2016, Jelly Roll and Bunnie parted ways. However, the love they shared was too powerful and they found their way back to each other later that year. In a TikTok post from February 2023, Bunnie expressed, “Who would have thought that our separation in 2018, my return to Las Vegas and your pursuit of me – would lead us on this incredible adventure called life.” They finally made their commitment to each other and fulfilled all the promises they made to one another back in 2016. Their sandcastle needed to fall apart so they could rebuild it on a stronger foundation. Bunnie said, “I love you so much.

As Jelly Roll’s fame grew, he and Bunnie made their debut on the red carpet together at the 2022 CMA Awards. In the documentary ‘Jelly Roll: Save Me’, she remarked, “We’re like the black sheep of the country era. We don’t seem to fit in, but here we are.

2023 marked the seventh anniversary of their wedding vow renewal for Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) and Bunnie. In a heartfelt tribute, Jelly Roll remembered how he had promised her that things wouldn’t always be tough, and they would work through their challenges together. True to his word, he helped her navigate the complexities of life over the past seven years.

Bunnie, in her September 2023 message, reflected on their tumultuous journey as partners and friends. Despite the hardships, she expressed gratitude for having Jelly Roll by her side, helping her conquer the world. They had faced numerous obstacles together, including overcoming childhood traumas, learning to love healthily, and creating a home for their daughter Bailee that they could be proud of.

Through it all, they persevered, walking hand in hand through life’s trials and tribulations. Bunnie affectionately referred to Jelly Roll as her missing puzzle piece, safe space, dance partner, best friend, hero, and the greatest man she had ever known. They will continue their journey together, cherishing each other and the memories they have created.

They carry on living in peace, with Bunnie influencing several of Jelly Roll’s tunes such as “Woman” and “Kill a Man”. When discussing the latter song with Entertainment Tonight, he referred to it as “the best”, stating, “I have striven to pen 1,000 love songs, but found them all somewhat cheesy. So I asked myself, ‘How do I write a love song and preserve my masculinity while also exposing the depths of my affection?'” He further explained, “No other woman on Earth catches my eye except her, and I aimed to create a song that mirrored this and was open.” Jelly Roll and Bunnie have collaborated in the music videos for both “Wheels Fall Off” and “Lonely Road”, which also features Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox.

Regardless if they’re present or watching at home, Bunnie is consistently rooting for Jelly Roll. In a touching tribute honoring his 2024 CMT Music Awards, she referred to him as “my extraordinary husband, the mastermind behind the misfits”. She acknowledged that his success wasn’t an overnight phenomenon, instead, it was the culmination of two decades of hard work.

This journey, Bunnie elaborated, encompassed days when they wondered if anyone was listening to the music, and nights that transformed into sold-out arenas. “I’ve watched you pour your soul into a pen,” she wrote, “composing therapeutic hymns for the broken, which found their way directly into their hearts.”

She added, “Therapeutic music that gently kisses the fissures of their souls, offering them a moment where they feel understood and seen.” The depth of their bond has resonated with fans. “Papabear,” she continued, “your voice is an instrument of healing, and the world is your choir. I LOVE YOU IN THIS LIFETIME AND EVERY OTHER ONE IM LUCKY TO BE BY YOUR SIDE IN.”

Jelly Roll, too, expresses his admiration for Bunnie. In a message for their eight anniversary, he shared, “Watching what you’ve built on social media and with your podcast is incredible. To see the way you inspire people, especially other women, fills my heart with indescribable joy.

In a firm and emphatic tone, let me clarify that Bunnie XO is not in the habit of sending affectionate gestures if someone crosses the line with her partner.

On a particular episode of “Dumb Blonde” in April 2024, Bunnie spoke out against hurtful online comments directed towards Jelly Roll regarding his weight. She expressed deep sadness and sympathy for him, stating, “My husband stepped away from the internet because he’s exhausted from being bullied about his weight. And that makes me want to cry because he is the sweetest angel baby.”

Bunnie acknowledged that Jelly Roll may not openly show how these comments impact him, but she emphasized their toll on him. “The internet can say whatever they want about you,” she continued, “and they argue we’re supposed to be able to handle it. But no, we’re not.”

She then reinforced the importance of kindness and empathy online. “Don’t bully people,” she pleaded, “because you never know what state someone might be in mentally.”

Finally, Bunnie made it clear that she will not tolerate bullying or false statements about her and her family. “I’m sorry, I’m going to stand up for all the underdogs,” she stated firmly. “You’ll never bully me, lie about me, or my family, and I’ll fight till the end.

Jelly Roll and Bunnie have been transparent about their attempts to expand their family. Following the celebrity’s announcement that they’ve contemplated having another child, his spouse detailed their progress.

“We initially intended to keep this private,” Bunnie penned in a June 2024 Instagram post, “but we feel our IVF process should be shared because we’ve always been so candid. And with all the challenges we’ve faced, it’s already been tough, and we still have a long way to go.”

However, they continue to stay optimistic.

“We’ve been consulting with fertility specialists and investigating our options for growing our family,” she added. “Jelly and I are both excited and anxious at the same time. We never thought we’d want to expand our family, but something has shifted this year, and we both yearn for a part of us to be together, adding to our already wonderful family with Bailee and Noah.

2025-03-13 05:47

Jelly Roll’s 120-Lb. Weight Loss Leads to Unexpected Body Changes

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