Look Back at Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo’s PDA-Forward Appearances Ahead of Split Reveal

Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll, a well-known couple in the music industry, have recently made headlines following the filing of their divorce. The singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, submitted the divorce papers on May 18 in Williamson County, Tennessee. The news comes as a surprise to many fans who have followed their relationship through public events and social media displays of affection.

Notably, just a few months before their split, the couple appeared together at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where they shared a tender moment on the red carpet. Photographers captured them exchanging kisses and engaging in a playful heart pose, seemingly solidifying their bond in front of the audience. During the ceremony, Bunnie XO, 46, cheered on her husband, 41, with a celebratory kiss after his win for Best Contemporary Country Album.

Prior to this high-profile event, they attended the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala. At this gathering, Jelly Roll made light of the situation when he explained how Bunnie’s striking latex dress required quite a bit of assistance to put on, adding a humorous twist to the occasion. The couple described the experience as fun, with Jelly jokingly rating the experience as a “10 out of 10.” The light-hearted commentary gave insights into their dynamic, which seemed affectionate and supportive.

Throughout February 2026, Jelly Roll showed his commitment by making appearances at all four stops of Bunnie’s book tour, where she was promoting her memoir “Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic.” Although reading her memoir was emotionally challenging for him, it was evident that he wanted to be there for her. The couple has a long history together, having first met in 2015 at a concert backstage in Las Vegas.

As the New Year approached, Bunnie and Jelly Roll shared an intimate moment on stage together to ring in 2026. Social media reflected their closeness as Bunnie posted a video of them sharing kisses amid flying confetti, captioning it with sentiments of hope for the year ahead. The vibe was celebratory, suggesting that the couple was looking forward to new beginnings together.

However, not all of their public displays of affection have gone without critique. At the 2025 ACM Awards, their passionate kiss did not sit well with some viewers, prompting Bunnie to address the backlash on her podcast, “Dumb Blonde.” She expressed frustration over comments from critics who questioned the authenticity of their affection, arguing that she and Jelly Roll were simply expressing their love and support for each other. She emphasised that the judgement felt excessive and inauthentic, pointing out the unrealistic expectations placed on public displays of love.

Their connection seemed steadfast as they celebrated their relationship through various public performances and events. During CMA Fest in June 2024, they were seen enjoying each other’s company and displaying their affection as they attended Jelly’s headlining show. In an interview shortly after, Jelly referred to Bunnie as his “anchor” and “best friend,” indicating a deep bond that many assumed would withstand any obstacles they might face.

Despite their apparent affection, Bunnie’s recent post featuring the couple was shared just weeks before Jelly’s divorce filing. In a celebratory Instagram post, she showed joy as they posed together for Jelly’s daughter Bailee Ann’s prom night, accompanied by an affectionate caption. It listed their separation date as May 9, adding a poignant layer to the timeline of their relationship.

The abrupt nature of their divorce filing highlights the complexities often found in public relationships. While fans witnessed many moments of zest and companionship, the change in their status underscores how quickly circumstances can shift. As both individuals navigate this newly changed chapter of their lives, their fans will be watching closely, hoping for the best for both Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll as they move forward separately.