As of December 2025, the family life of country and rap sensation Jelly Roll continues to be a central topic for fans, particularly the inspiring story of his two children: daughter Bailee Ann and son Noah Buddy. The musician, known for his raw honesty and powerful redemption arc, credits his children with providing the motivation he needed to turn his life around, a narrative he and his wife, Bunnie XO, frequently share in public. Their family dynamic, which includes a journey through the foster care system and a highly public IVF process, is a testament to unconventional love and dedication.
The family made a rare and highly-publicized appearance together at the 2024 Kids' Choice Awards, signaling a new chapter of public visibility for his kids. This article dives deep into the lives of Bailee Ann and Noah, exploring their ages, their personalities, their relationship with their stepmother Bunnie XO, and the latest updates on the DeFord family’s efforts to expand their household through surrogacy and IVF.
Jelly Roll: A Quick Biography and Family Profile
Before diving into the lives of his children, understanding the man behind the music provides essential context for their unique family story. Jelly Roll's life is a remarkable example of transformation, heavily influenced by his commitment to fatherhood.
- Real Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
- Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
- Age (as of 2025): 40 years old
- Birthplace: Antioch, Nashville, Tennessee
- Wife: Bunnie XO (Alisa DeFord)
- Children: Daughter Bailee Ann DeFord and Son Noah Buddy DeFord
- Career Highlights: Initially known as a rapper, he successfully transitioned into country and rock, achieving massive success with songs like "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor." He is a Grammy-nominated artist.
Jelly Roll’s journey from a troubled past, marked by incarceration and addiction, to a multi-award-winning artist and devoted family man is the bedrock of his public persona. He has often spoken about how the birth of his daughter, Bailee Ann, was the catalyst for his profound life change, inspiring him to seek a better path while he was still serving time in prison.
Bailee Ann DeFord: The Daughter Who Changed Everything
Bailee Ann is Jelly Roll’s oldest child, and her story is intricately tied to her father’s redemption. Her existence was the "irritating" news that ultimately saved his life, as he was released from prison just in time for her birth.
Key Facts About Bailee Ann:
- Date of Birth: May 22, 2008
- Current Age (2025): 17 years old
- Custody: Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO were granted primary custody of Bailee Ann in 2016.
- Musical Aspirations: Following in her father's footsteps, Bailee Ann is an up-and-coming singer and songwriter. She has even collaborated with her dad, writing and performing a verse for his song "Tears Could Talk" on his 2020 album, Self Medicated.
- Public Appearances: She has been seen on stage with her father to perform their collaborative song and was a prominent figure alongside her father and brother at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.
Bailee Ann has openly worked through the trauma of her childhood, and her relationship with her father's career has evolved. Jelly Roll noted that his daughter was initially a little "bitter" about his music career, as it took him away from home for extended periods. However, as she has grown, she has come to understand and embrace his path, even developing her own passion for music.
Noah Buddy DeFord: The Private Younger Son
Jelly Roll's son, Noah Buddy, maintains a more private life compared to his older sister, who is often featured on Bunnie XO’s social media and podcast. Noah is from a separate past relationship of Jelly Roll’s, but he is a fully integrated and beloved member of the DeFord household.
Key Facts About Noah Buddy:
- Date of Birth: August 23, 2016
- Current Age (2025): 9 years old
- Family Dynamic: Bunnie XO has publicly stated that she and Jelly Roll are dedicated to co-parenting Noah and ensuring he has a stable, loving environment.
- Recent Appearance: Noah joined his sister and father on the red carpet at the 2024 Kids' Choice Awards, a rare moment that delighted fans who appreciate the family’s unity.
Jelly Roll has only recently begun to speak more openly about his son, often sharing anecdotes that highlight Noah’s unique personality. The family works hard to shield Noah from the more intense aspects of their public life, prioritizing his normalcy and privacy. His presence has solidified the family unit, making the DeFord home a hub of love and co-parenting dedication.
The Family’s Newest Chapter: IVF and Surrogacy Journey
One of the most current and widely discussed topics surrounding the DeFord family is the couple's desire to expand their family. Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, have been remarkably transparent about their emotional and challenging journey through the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process.
The couple has been vocal on Bunnie XO’s "Dumb Blonde" podcast, sharing the ups and downs of their attempts to conceive, including the difficult decision-making process and the emotional toll of fertility treatments.
Latest Updates:
While the couple has not announced a pregnancy as of late 2025, they have confirmed their commitment to having a child together. Their journey has recently shifted to include plans for surrogacy as an avenue to grow their family. This decision highlights their unwavering dedication to providing a sibling for Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy, regardless of the challenges they face.
Their openness about IVF, fertility struggles, and surrogacy has resonated deeply with fans, making them advocates for others facing similar challenges. Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s blended family, built on resilience and unconditional love, continues to be an inspiring story in the world of celebrity families. Their journey with Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy is a constant reminder that family is defined by love and commitment, not just biology.
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