Jelly Roll—born Jason DeFord—has become a household name in country and rap music, thanks to his raw, emotionally charged lyrics and genre-defying sound. Tracks like “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor” have topped charts, and his sold-out tours draw crowds of adoring fans. But behind this meteoric rise lies a story of resilience, redemption, and unwavering support—much of it from the woman known to the world as the Jelly Roll Wife: Bunnie XO.
Who Is the Jelly Roll Wife? Bunnie XO’s Journey of Self-Made Success
Bunnie XO isn’t just a spouse; she’s a force in her own right. Born Bunnie DeFord (née Nicole Lombardi) in Nashville, Tennessee, she’s carved out a successful career as a podcaster, model, and social media influencer. Her podcast, Dumb Blonde, is a hit, featuring candid conversations with guests about relationships, mental health, body positivity, and personal growth. Bunnie is open about her own struggles—from body image issues to her journey with plastic surgery—and uses her platform to empower others to embrace their authentic selves.
Before meeting Jelly Roll, Bunnie had already overcome her share of challenges. She worked as a model and dancer in Las Vegas, where she learned the value of hard work and resilience. Her no-nonsense attitude and ability to turn adversity into opportunity would later become a cornerstone of her support for Jelly.
A Love Story Forged in Adversity
Jelly Roll and Bunnie first crossed paths in 2015 at a small Las Vegas venue where Jelly was performing. At the time, Jelly was still navigating the aftermath of a troubled past—struggles with addiction, legal issues, and a cycle of incarceration that had defined much of his early adulthood. Bunnie, drawn to his raw talent and vulnerability on stage, struck up a conversation with him after the show. What started as a casual chat quickly turned into a deep connection, fueled by their shared experiences of overcoming hardship.
In 2016, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony, surrounded by close friends and family. But their journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Jelly’s ongoing battle with addiction and mental health issues tested their relationship, but Bunnie never wavered. She stood by him through rehab stints, legal battles, and the ups and downs of his early music career. “She was the first person who ever believed in me without condition,” Jelly once said in an interview. “When everyone else wrote me off, she saw something more.”
Bunnie’s Indelible Impact on Jelly’s Career
The Jelly Roll Wife’s influence on his career can’t be overstated. When Jelly was hesitant to share his most personal struggles in his music—like his addiction, his time in jail, or his complicated relationship with his father—Bunnie encouraged him to be vulnerable. “Your story isn’t just yours,” she told him. “It’s for the people who are going through the same things. They need to hear it.”
That advice led to the creation of “Son of a Sinner,” a song that would catapult Jelly to stardom. The track’s honest lyrics about redemption resonated with millions, and it became his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Bunnie also played a key role in helping Jelly navigate the music industry. She managed his schedule, negotiated deals, and even helped him book his first major shows. “She’s my rock,” Jelly says. “Without her, I’d still be lost.”
Beyond her professional support, Bunnie has been instrumental in Jelly’s mental health journey. She encouraged him to seek therapy, helped him develop healthy coping mechanisms, and reminded him to prioritize self-care. “When I’m feeling down, she’s the one who picks me up,” Jelly shared. “She’s my safe place.”
Beyond the Spotlight: Family and Philanthropy
The Jelly Roll Wife and Jelly are proud parents to two children: Bailee Ann, Jelly’s daughter from a previous relationship, and Noah, Bunnie’s son. They’ve created a loving, blended family, and often share glimpses of their home life on social media—from family dinners to beach trips. For Bunnie, family is everything. “We work hard to make sure our kids feel loved and supported,” she says. “That’s our number one priority.”
The couple also uses their platform to give back. They support organizations that help people struggling with addiction and mental health issues, like the Recovery Village and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Bunnie often uses her podcast to raise awareness about these topics, while Jelly donates a portion of his tour proceeds to recovery programs. “We want to help others who are going through what we went through,” Jelly says. “Bunnie and I know firsthand how hard it is to ask for help, and we want to make it easier for others.”
The Jelly Roll Wife: A Symbol of Love and Resilience
Bunnie XO isn’t just the Jelly Roll Wife—she’s a partner, a friend, and an inspiration. Her resilience, kindness, and unwavering belief in Jelly have helped him transform from a troubled past to a chart-topping superstar. Their story is a reminder that behind every success story, there’s someone who stands by you through thick and thin.
For Jelly Roll, that someone is Bunnie. “She’s my everything,” he says. “I wouldn’t be here without her.” And for fans, the Jelly Roll Wife is a symbol of the power of love to heal, to inspire, and to change lives.
In a world where celebrity relationships often make headlines for the wrong reasons, Jelly Roll and Bunnie’s partnership is a breath of fresh air. It’s a testament to the fact that true love isn’t about perfection—it’s about standing by each other, even when the going gets tough. And that’s a story worth celebrating.
As Jelly’s star continues to rise, one thing is clear: the Jelly Roll Wife will always be right there by his side, cheering him on every step of the way. Because for Bunnie and Jelly, their love is the foundation of everything they do. And that’s the secret to their success.