41 And Thriving: Unpacking The Age, Career, And Transformation Of Music Star Jelly Roll

The question of "How old is Jelly Roll?" is more than just a search for a number; it's a doorway into the incredible, late-blooming success story of a man who found mainstream stardom in his late 30s. As of today, December 10, 2025, the genre-bending artist, born Jason Bradley DeFord, recently celebrated his 41st birthday, a milestone that comes on the heels of the biggest years of his professional life, marked by a chart-topping new album and a profound personal transformation.

While many artists peak in their twenties, Jelly Roll’s ascent to the top of the country and rock charts—earning him multiple awards and a Billboard-topping album—is a testament to perseverance. His journey from a troubled youth in Nashville to a Grammy-nominated star is inextricably linked to his age, with his music often reflecting on decades of life experience, incarceration, and redemption that resonate deeply with millions of fans worldwide.

Jelly Roll: Complete Biography Profile

The man known as Jelly Roll has one of the most compelling backstories in modern music. Here is a comprehensive profile of the artist, Jason Bradley DeFord:

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• Real Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Stage Name: Jelly Roll (originally stylized as JellyRoll)
• Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
• Current Age: 41 (as of December 10, 2025)
• Birthplace: Antioch, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
• Genres: Country, Hip-Hop (Rap), Rock, Country Rock
• Spouse: Bunnie Xo (Alyssa DeFord)
• Children: Bailee Ann DeFord and Noah DeFord
• Breakthrough Hit: "Son of a Sinner" (2021)
• Recent Major Album: Beautifully Broken (Released October 2024)
• Notable Achievements (2024/2025): Album debuted atop the Billboard 200, significant weight loss transformation, and a major career announcement about his 2025 touring schedule.

The Simple Answer: How Old is Jelly Roll Right Now?

The most direct answer to "how old is Jelly Roll" is 41 years old. He was born on December 4, 1984, which means he recently celebrated his 41st birthday just days before this article was published.

His age is a powerful element of his appeal. Unlike many younger artists who achieve instant fame, Jelly Roll spent decades working in the underground rap scene, dealing with addiction, and serving time in jail, a period he often references in his songwriting.

The Significance of Turning 41

Jelly Roll’s career trajectory is a powerful example of a mid-life resurgence. He broke into the mainstream country music scene as a rookie at the age of 37 with his hit "Son of a Sinner." His recent success, including his 2024 album, has cemented his status as a major music figure well into his 40s.

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• Late-Career Peak: Achieving a Billboard 200 No. 1 album, Beautifully Broken, in his 40s is a rare feat in the music industry.
• Life Experience as Lyrical Fuel: His music, including tracks from his latest album, draws heavily on the wisdom, pain, and redemption accumulated over four decades, giving his work a depth that resonates with a broad, multi-generational audience.
• Personal Transformation: His 40th and 41st years have been marked by a highly publicized and successful personal health journey, including a significant weight loss of over 120 pounds in 2024. This transformation is a major part of his current narrative of self-improvement.

From "Son of a Sinner" to Billboard King: Jelly Roll's Career Evolution in His 40s

The period between 2024 and 2025 has been the most transformative and successful of Jason DeFord’s career. These years, which span his 40th and 41st birthdays, are defined by major musical releases, critical acclaim, and a shift in his touring strategy, proving that age is truly just a number when it comes to artistic impact.

The Success of Beautifully Broken (2024)

In mid-October 2024, Jelly Roll released his latest major album, Beautifully Broken. The album was an immediate commercial success, debuting atop the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. This achievement is a massive win for an artist whose career began in the independent rap scene, battling for recognition for years. The album features the powerful single "Liar," which he first debuted at the Grand Ole Opry and the ACM Awards in April and May of 2024.

The album's title and themes perfectly encapsulate the artist’s current stage in life: a man who has embraced his past struggles to become a beacon of hope and authenticity for his fans. The music blends his signature hip-hop cadence with heartfelt country storytelling, creating a unique sound that has dominated multiple genres.

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A Shift in Touring Strategy for 2025

In a surprising career update in late 2024, Jelly Roll announced that he would not be headlining a major tour in 2025. This decision, made in his 41st year, marks the first time in his career that he will take a significant break from the demanding schedule of a headlining artist. This move is less about slowing down and more about strategic career management, allowing him to focus on other projects, collaborations, and perhaps, more time for his personal health and family life with his wife, Bunnie Xo, and their children.

This break from the road is a conscious choice by the artist to prioritize his well-being after years of non-stop work, a decision that resonates with fans who have followed his personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle. It shows a maturity and focus that comes with his age and experience.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

Jelly Roll's story is a rich tapestry of relevant entities that provide topical authority to his life and career:

• Musical Entities: *Beautifully Broken*, "Son of a Sinner," "Liar," Billboard 200, ACM Awards, Grand Ole Opry.
• Personal/Geographical Entities: Jason Bradley DeFord, Antioch, Tennessee, Bunnie Xo, Bailee Ann DeFord, Noah DeFord, weight loss transformation.
• Career Entities: Grammy Nominee, Independent Rap Scene, Country Music Rookie, 2025 Tour Announcement.

In conclusion, Jelly Roll, at 41, is not just an artist enjoying success; he is a cultural phenomenon whose age and life experience are central to his appeal. His ability to connect with listeners through raw honesty about his past—from incarceration at age 23 to his current sobriety—makes his music a powerful narrative of second chances. As he moves forward in his 40s, his career continues to evolve, promising more authentic music and inspirational life updates for years to come.