5 Shocking Family Secrets And Connections: Who Is Jelly Roll Related To?

The question of "who is Jelly Roll related to" goes far beyond a simple family tree, touching on his gritty, Nashville roots and a life story woven into his music. As of December 2025, the multi-genre star, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has captivated millions with his raw honesty, often referencing his family's struggles and triumphs in his chart-topping songs. While he is not related to any famous country music legends by blood, his immediate family—including his parents, half-siblings, wife, and children—are the central figures who shaped the man and the artist he is today. His deep, personal connections form the core of his identity, with his late father being a profound influence and his wife, Bunnie Xo, being his most visible partner. The journey of his family, from his time in prison to his current success, is a testament to resilience, making his story one of the most compelling in modern music.

Jelly Roll: Full Biography and Family Profile

Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, has an extensive and complex family history that directly informs his musical themes of addiction, redemption, and faith. Understanding his biography is key to understanding his family relationships.

• Real Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 40 years old
• Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee (specifically the Antioch area)
• Parents: Horace "Buddy" DeFord (Father, deceased) and Donna DeFord (Mother)
• Spouse: Alyssa "Bunnie Xo" DeFord (married 2016)
• Children: Bailee Ann DeFord (Daughter) and Noah Buddy DeFord (Son)
• Siblings: Three older half-siblings: brothers Roger DeFord and Scott DeFord, and sister Shelby DeFord
• Career Highlights: Rapper, singer, and songwriter known for blending hip-hop, rock, and country. Notable hits include "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor."

The Immediate Family: Parents, Siblings, and Half-Siblings

Jelly Roll’s immediate family is the foundation of his personal narrative. He grew up in a home marked by both love and struggle, particularly due to his father’s health and his mother’s battle with addiction.

His Parents: Horace “Buddy” and Donna DeFord

His father, Horace "Buddy" DeFord, was a significant figure in his life. Buddy ran a wholesale meat business and also worked as a bookie. He passed away on March 20, 2019, at the age of 75, after a battle with cancer. Jelly Roll frequently speaks about his father's influence and the heartbreak of his loss, often crediting Buddy for his work ethic and for instilling a sense of humor. His son, Noah, is named Noah Buddy in his honor. Jelly Roll’s mother, Donna DeFord, has also been a central part of his life story. He has been open about her struggles with mental health and addiction. His relationship with both parents, despite its challenges, has been a driving force behind his music's emotional depth and honesty.

His Three Older Half-Siblings

Jelly Roll has three older half-siblings from his father’s previous marriage: two brothers, Roger DeFord and Scott DeFord, and one sister, Shelby DeFord. While he doesn't often share public details about them, they remain a part of his extended family, rooted in his childhood in the Nashville area.

The Modern Family: Wife, Children, and IVF Journey

The most visible and current part of Jelly Roll's family life is his relationship with his wife, Bunnie Xo, and their children.

Wife: Bunnie Xo (Alyssa DeFord)

Jelly Roll married Alyssa DeFord, better known as Bunnie Xo, in 2016. Bunnie Xo is a media personality, podcaster, and entrepreneur. Their relationship is a cornerstone of his current success, as she has been a vocal supporter and partner throughout his career resurgence.

His Children: Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy

Jelly Roll is a father to two children from previous relationships, both of whom he and Bunnie Xo are raising: * Bailee Ann DeFord: His daughter, born while he was incarcerated. In 2016, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo were granted primary custody of Bailee Ann. She is often seen with the couple at major events, including the 2024 Grammy Awards. * Noah Buddy DeFord: His son, born in 2016. Noah's middle name honors Jelly Roll’s late father, Horace "Buddy" DeFord.

The Ongoing IVF Journey

In a very public display of openness and vulnerability, Bunnie Xo has been documenting her In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) journey. The couple is actively trying to conceive a child together, sharing the emotional and physical challenges of the process with their fans. This recent development highlights their desire to expand their family and is a significant, current update on their family life.

Debunking the Biggest Rumor: Is Jelly Roll Related to Waylon Jennings?

One of the most persistent and widely circulated rumors about Jelly Roll's family connections is that he is the grandson of country music legend Waylon Jennings.

The Truth Behind the Rumor

Despite frequent collaborations and shared musical sensibilities with Waylon Jennings’ son, Shooter Jennings, Jelly Roll is not related to Waylon Jennings or the Jennings family by blood. The rumor likely stems from the close professional relationship he has with Shooter Jennings, which led some to speculate about a deeper, familial tie. Jelly Roll’s success in the country music genre, combined with his outlaw image, naturally draws comparisons to the late Waylon Jennings, further fueling the false narrative. However, his family tree is firmly rooted in the DeFord and Donna lineages of Nashville, with no direct connection to the Jennings musical dynasty.

Key Entities and Topical Authority Related to Jelly Roll

To gain a full understanding of Jelly Roll’s world and connections, several key entities are essential: * Jason Bradley DeFord: His birth name. * Horace "Buddy" DeFord: His late father, a central figure in his life. * Donna DeFord: His mother, whose struggles he often discusses. * Bunnie Xo (Alyssa DeFord): His wife and business partner. * Bailee Ann DeFord: His daughter, for whom he and Bunnie have primary custody. * Noah Buddy DeFord: His son, named after his late father. * Antioch, Tennessee: The specific neighborhood in Nashville where he grew up. * Shooter Jennings: The son of Waylon Jennings, with whom he frequently collaborates. * Waylon Jennings: The country music icon he is often falsely rumored to be related to. * IVF Journey: The current, public effort by him and Bunnie Xo to conceive. * "Son of a Sinner": One of his most successful songs, reflecting his personal story. * Roger, Scott, and Shelby DeFord: His three older half-siblings. * Custody Battle: The legal process that resulted in him and Bunnie Xo gaining primary custody of Bailee Ann. * March 20, 2019: The date of his father's death. Jelly Roll's relationships are a complex tapestry of redemption, loss, and unconditional love. While the answer to "who is Jelly Roll related to" is a list of non-famous, deeply personal family members, the impact they have had on his life and music is immeasurable, solidifying his status as one of music's most authentic storytellers.