The Untold Story Of Jelly Roll's Kids: Bailee Ann And Noah Buddy’s Blended Family Life

The chart-topping country-rock star known as Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has captured the hearts of millions with his raw honesty about addiction, redemption, and his deep commitment to family. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the most compelling part of his life story continues to be his two children, daughter Bailee Ann and son Noah Buddy, and the complex, yet incredibly loving, blended family he shares with his wife, Bunnie XO. This article dives into the most current and essential details about his kids, their mothers, and the unique dynamics that define their life together.

The journey of raising his children has been a public testament to his personal transformation. From being incarcerated during his daughter's birth to becoming a Grammy-nominated artist, Jelly Roll’s dedication to his kids, often referred to as his "biggest blessing," is the bedrock of his new chapter.

Jelly Roll: A Complete Family & Career Profile

Before diving into the lives of his children, understanding the man and his family structure is key. Jason Bradley DeFord, born December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a renowned rapper, singer, and songwriter who successfully crossed over from hip-hop to country and rock music. His career highlights include multiple chart-topping hits like "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor," and a Grammy nomination that solidified his mainstream success.

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Jelly Roll's Blended Family Unit:

• Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Stage Name: Jelly Roll
• Born: December 4, 1984 (Age 40 as of late 2024/early 2025)
• Wife: Alyssa DeFord, professionally known as Bunnie XO
• Marriage: Met in 2015, had an impromptu wedding/engagement in 2016. They renewed their vows in 2023.
• Children: Two biological children—daughter Bailee Ann and son Noah Buddy.

His wife, Bunnie XO, a podcast host and model, is a vital part of this family, acting as a loving stepmother to both children and an advocate for their unconventional family structure. The couple has also been candid about their desire to expand their family, sharing updates on their ongoing IVF journey in 2024 and 2025, which has been a major topic of discussion among fans.

Bailee Ann DeFord: The Teenager Who Inspired "Save Me"

Jelly Roll’s oldest child, his daughter Bailee Ann DeFord, is a central figure in his personal and professional narrative. Her story is one of resilience and a powerful bond with her father.

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Bailee Ann's Profile and Latest Updates

Bailee Ann, born on May 22, 2008, is currently 17 years old as of early 2025. Her birth occurred while Jelly Roll was incarcerated, a moment he has described as a turning point that motivated him to change his life. She lives primarily with her father and stepmother, Bunnie XO, who has been a constant, supportive presence in her life.

• Age (2025): 17 years old
• Date of Birth: May 22, 2008
• Relationship with Father: Extremely close; she is often seen with him at events and on social media.
• Musical Talent: Bailee Ann is following in her father's footsteps. She was featured on his 2020 song, "Tears Could Talk," which details their relationship and her childhood struggles. The powerful collaboration has been a fan favorite and a testament to her own musical aspirations.

The relationship between Bailee Ann and her biological mother, Felicia Beckwith, has been complex and public. Felicia Beckwith has struggled with addiction, and Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO stepped up to take full custody to provide Bailee Ann with a stable environment. Bailee Ann has bravely spoken out about her mother's struggles and her own feelings about their complicated past, demonstrating remarkable maturity and emotional intelligence.

Noah Buddy DeFord: The Private Young Man of the Family

Jelly Roll's youngest child, Noah Buddy DeFord, maintains a more private life, but recent updates have brought him into the public eye, highlighting his strong relationship with his father and the successful co-parenting dynamic within the family.

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Noah Buddy's Profile and Co-Parenting Success

Noah Buddy was born on August 23, 2016, making him 9 years old in 2025. Unlike Bailee Ann, Noah does not live full-time with Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, but he is an integral part of their lives, frequently joining them for family vacations and public outings.

• Age (2025): 9 years old
• Date of Birth: August 23, 2016
• Biological Mother: Melisa (last name not widely publicized).
• Co-Parenting Dynamic: The family has a remarkably healthy and open co-parenting relationship. Bunnie XO has publicly praised Melisa, Noah's biological mother, for her kindness and commitment to raising Noah, calling her a "sweet friend." This modern, harmonious approach to their blended family is a positive example for fans.

In a recent and rare public appearance in late 2024, Noah was seen bonding with his dad at a Tennessee Volunteers basketball game, and earlier in 2025, they attended a Monster Jam event together, showcasing the simple, loving moments of their father-son relationship. Jelly Roll has even gotten a tattoo of Noah's name above his right eyebrow, a permanent symbol of his son's importance in his life.

The Power of the DeFord Blended Family

The DeFord family, led by Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, is a powerful example of a modern, blended family unit that thrives on honesty, acceptance, and unconditional love. They have openly discussed the challenges of co-parenting with two different biological mothers, Felicia Beckwith and Melisa, and the complexity of addiction's role in their lives.

The family's transparency about these sensitive topics, including Bailee Ann's traumatic childhood and her mother's battle with substance abuse, has resonated deeply with the public. Bunnie XO, as the stepmother, has been particularly vocal about the importance of supporting Bailee Ann through her struggles and fostering a positive relationship with Noah's mother, Melisa. This commitment to a blended family has made them an inspirational figure in the celebrity world.

From the early days of incarceration and addiction to the bright lights of Grammy nominations and sold-out tours, Jelly Roll’s journey is intrinsically linked to his role as a father. His children, Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy, are not just footnotes in his biography; they are the driving force behind his redemption and his most powerful legacy. As they continue to grow and evolve, their story remains a compelling and up-to-date narrative of love, second chances, and the true meaning of family in 2025.