When Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, crossed paths with Bunnie Xo in 2015, he was a struggling artist living out of a van. Despite the odds, the country singer and the then-escort, who was instantly captivated by Jelly Roll at a Las Vegas gig, embarked on a journey that would last nearly a decade.
"When I first met J, he had the saddest eyes," Bunnie Xo recalled in her memoir, Stripped Down. Her initial attraction was undeniable, leading to a friendship that quickly turned romantic by 2016. That year, they sealed their whirlwind romance with a spontaneous wedding at a Sin City chapel.
“I love it when [people] call her a gold digger … because when I met her, I was homeless living out of a ’96 conversion van,” Jelly Roll shared later, reflecting on their early days.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo's marriage saw its share of challenges. In 2018, cheating allegations nearly tore them apart. Jelly Roll admitted to having an affair during a rough patch in their relationship, a confession he later called one of his "worst moments." Despite the heartache, the couple worked through their issues, growing stronger together.
Their relationship was filled with public milestones and private struggles. They renewed their vows in 2023, opting to "double down" on their love. But their journey wasn’t without its bumps – fertility struggles and changes in intimacy due to Jelly Roll’s significant weight loss showed just how much they were willing to share with the world.
By 2026, it was clear the couple was drifting apart. Cryptic posts from Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll's missing wedding band hinted at underlying issues. The official news came in June 2026 – Jelly Roll filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences." The end of their marriage was as public as its journey, with Bunnie Xo hinting at a new beginning, saying she was "getting her sparkle back."
Though their romance ended, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo's story remains a testament to the complexities of love and the unique paths it can take.