Country music star Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has filed for divorce from his wife, Bunnie Xo, following nearly a decade of marriage. Court records from Williamson County, Tennessee, reveal that the couple separated on 9 May 2025, just over a week before the divorce papers were lodged on 18 May. The official documents cite “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the breakdown in their relationship.
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The decision to part ways comes after a significant period of happiness for the couple, including attending their daughter Bailee’s prom together—an event they shared with their online followers. Bunnie Xo, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, posted a touching TikTok video featuring the family, captioned with her heartfelt sentiments about love and family.
Married since 30 August 2016, Jelly Roll and Bunnie renewed their vows in early 2023, a testament to their commitment to one another at that time. Yet, just a few months later, they faced a sudden and poignant shift in their relationship. The couple has been open about their journey together, sharing both the joyous moments and the struggles they have encountered along the way.
In their time together, Jelly Roll has often expressed gratitude towards Bunnie, especially in emotional moments. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, where he won Best Contemporary Country Album, he dedicated his victory to her, stating, “I would have never changed my life without you. I would have ended up dead or in jail.” Such declarations highlighted the depth of their connection even amidst the challenges they faced.
The couple’s relationship has not been without its controversies. In her memoir “Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic,” published in 2026, Bunnie opened up about Jelly’s infidelity during a tumultuous period in 2018, describing it as “one of the worst moments” in their lives. Despite this, Jelly Roll has expressed pride in the resilience of their partnership, emphasising their growth as individuals and as a couple.
In addition to navigating personal hurdles, the couple has also shared their quest to expand their family. They have candidly discussed their struggles with IVF and their plans to welcome a child through surrogacy. Bunnie expressed hope during an interview with PEOPLE, stating, “We’re just ready for a piece of us,” and underscoring her belief in a divine plan to make their dream of parenthood a reality.
The public nature of their relationship, combined with the recent announcement of their separation, has left fans and followers speculating about the underlying dynamics that contributed to their split. As they both move forward, Jelly and Bunnie will undoubtedly have to navigate the challenges of co-parenting, particularly since Jelly is also a father to his nine-year-old son, Noah, from a previous relationship.
While it is still early days in the aftermath of their separation, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo remain prominent figures in the country music scene, with their past experiences likely influencing their future work and lives. For now, the couple’s divorce marks the end of a chapter filled with love, struggle, and public scrutiny, leaving fans to reflect on the complexities of their journey together and the courage it takes to seek a new path when facing irreconcilable differences.