7 Heartbreaking And Inspiring Facts About Jelly Roll's Daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord

The journey of Bailee Ann DeFord, daughter of country-rock sensation Jelly Roll, is a powerful story of resilience, family, and overcoming adversity. As of December 2025, Bailee Ann, now 17, has stepped further into the public eye, not just as the child of a superstar, but as a young woman with her own compelling narrative. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of love and stability, particularly through her bond with her father, Jason "Jelly Roll" DeFord, and her stepmother, Bunnie XO.

Recent months have brought significant milestones for the teenager, from major red-carpet appearances to personal firsts, all while navigating a past marked by her parents' struggles. The DeFord family continues to share their unfiltered life, offering fans a unique look at Bailee Ann's growth from a young girl in a challenging situation to a confident young adult who is finding her voice and place alongside one of music's biggest stars.

Bailee Ann DeFord: Comprehensive Biographical Profile

Bailee Ann DeFord is the eldest child of musician Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord. Her story is deeply intertwined with her father's own journey of recovery and redemption, making her a central figure in his public narrative.

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• Full Name: Bailee Ann DeFord
• Date of Birth: May 22, 2008
• Age (as of December 2025): 17 years old
• Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
• Father: Jason Bradley "Jelly Roll" DeFord (Musician)
• Biological Mother: Felicia Beckwith
• Stepmother: Alyssa "Bunnie XO" DeFord (Podcast Host, Media Personality)
• Sibling: Noah Buddy DeFord (younger half-brother)
• Custody Status: Primary custody was granted to Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO in 2016.
• Notable Appearances: Stagecoach Festival 2024, Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2024.

The Heartbreaking Start: A Father's Absence and a Mother's Struggle

Bailee Ann's early life was marked by significant challenges that Jelly Roll has been incredibly open about, framing her existence as the catalyst for his own life change. This difficult beginning has shaped the powerful bond they share today.

1. Jelly Roll Missed Her Birth Due to Incarceration

One of the most poignant details of Bailee Ann's life is that her father was not present for her birth. Jelly Roll was incarcerated at the time, a fact he has repeatedly cited as a turning point in his life and career. He has openly discussed the pain of missing that moment, which fuels his dedication to being a present father now. This heartbreaking circumstance forms the emotional core of their shared history.

2. Her Biological Mother Struggled with Addiction

Bailee Ann's biological mother, Felicia Beckwith, struggled with addiction, which ultimately led to a challenging environment for the young girl. Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, were granted primary custody of Bailee Ann in 2016, a decision made to provide her with a stable and supportive home environment. The family’s transparency about this situation highlights the reality of addiction's impact and the steps taken to protect Bailee Ann.

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3. She Inspired Jelly Roll's Path to Sobriety and Success

Jelly Roll has consistently credited Bailee Ann as the primary motivation for his decision to turn his life around, dedicating himself to sobriety and his music career. He often speaks about how her birth was a "turning point" that forced him to confront his past drug addiction and criminal history. Her presence gave him the focus and drive needed to become the successful, chart-topping artist he is today.

2024: Bailee Ann's Biggest Year in the Public Eye

The year 2024 has been transformative for Bailee Ann, featuring several high-profile public appearances and personal milestones that have brought her story to a wider audience. These events showcase her growing confidence and her integrated role in the DeFord family’s celebrity life.

4. Surprise Appearance at Stagecoach 2024

In one of her most significant public moments, Bailee Ann joined her father on stage during his set at the Stagecoach Festival in April 2024. Sharing the stage with her dad in front of thousands of fans was a huge milestone, underscoring her close relationship with the country-rap star and giving fans a rare glimpse of their dynamic.

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5. Red Carpet Debut at the Kids' Choice Awards

Jelly Roll made the 2024 Kids' Choice Awards a family affair, bringing both Bailee Ann and her younger half-brother, Noah Buddy DeFord. Attending a major awards show together marked a significant red-carpet moment for the trio, solidifying Bailee Ann's place in her father's new life as a mainstream celebrity.

6. Bunnie XO's Emotional Post About Bailee Ann's First Date

Stepmother Bunnie XO, known for her transparency on social media and her podcast "Dumb Blonde," shared a heartfelt and humorous post in February 2024 about Bailee Ann going on her first date. Bunnie XO expressed her emotional reaction to her "little girl" growing up, demonstrating the strong, loving, and slightly protective step-parent bond they share. This update resonated deeply with fans who follow the family's journey.

7. The Inspiring Step-Parent Relationship with Bunnie XO

The relationship between Bailee Ann and Bunnie XO, whose real name is Alyssa DeFord, is a cornerstone of the family's story. Bunnie XO has been an outspoken advocate for Bailee Ann, often defending her role as a mother figure against online critics. The two share a very close bond, with Bunnie XO having been instrumental in providing the stability Bailee Ann needed after gaining custody. Their connection is frequently highlighted in the media, offering a positive example of a successful blended family.

The Future: Education, Music, and Family Stability

As Bailee Ann DeFord nears her final years of high school, the focus remains on her continued stability and future aspirations. While she has shown an interest in music—even recording a song with her father—Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO prioritize her education and well-being above all else. The family is committed to providing a normal, loving environment despite the chaos of their celebrity status, ensuring she has the foundation to pursue her own dreams, whatever they may be.

Jelly Roll has stated that he is "not strict" on Bailee Ann but is focused on teaching her the value of hard work and respect. The entire DeFord family, including her younger brother Noah Buddy, continues to be a tightly-knit unit, with Bailee Ann’s inspiring story serving as a beacon of hope for families navigating similar challenges.