The Unconventional Love Story: 7 Shocking Facts About Jelly Roll And Bunnie XO’s Marriage

As of today, December 10, 2025, the answer is a resounding yes: Jelly Roll is happily married to his wife, Bunnie XO. Their relationship, which began in 2016, is one of the most talked-about and unconventional love stories in the music industry, characterized by radical honesty, mutual support, and a shared history of overcoming adversity. Despite recent public scrutiny and persistent rumors, the couple remains committed, frequently sharing intimate details of their life, including a recent vow renewal and their ongoing journey to expand their family. The country-rock star, whose real name is Jason DeFord, and his wife, a successful podcaster and social media personality, have built their strong foundation on transparency, discussing everything from past infidelities to their struggles with fertility. Their candid approach has resonated with millions of fans, solidifying their status as a modern power couple while continuously shutting down speculation about the state of their union, including persistent "open marriage" rumors.

Jelly Roll: A Quick Biography and Profile

The man known professionally as Jelly Roll is a celebrated American rapper, singer, and songwriter who has successfully transitioned from hip-hop to mainstream country and rock music. His raw, emotionally charged lyrics often reflect his tumultuous past, including struggles with addiction and incarceration.

• Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Stage Name: Jelly Roll (originally stylized as JellyRoll)
• Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 41
• Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
• Wife: Bunnie XO (Alyssa DeFord)
• Marriage Date: August 2016 (Spontaneous Las Vegas Wedding)
• Children: Jelly Roll has a daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, from a previous relationship, whom Bunnie XO helps co-parent.
• Career Highlights: Grammy Award nominee, multiple CMT Music Award wins, and chart-topping success with songs like "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor."
• Notable Projects: Albums Whitsitt Chapel, Ballads of the Broken, and the popular podcast Dumb Blonde (hosted by Bunnie XO).

The Spontaneous Las Vegas Wedding and Vow Renewal

The love story between Jason "Jelly Roll" DeFord and Alyssa "Bunnie XO" DeFord is anything but traditional, starting with their incredibly spontaneous wedding. Their initial meeting was in 2015, and their connection was immediate and intense.

How Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Got Married

Their engagement and wedding happened on the exact same day in August 2016. The couple was in Las Vegas, and after a conversation in a parking lot, Jelly Roll proposed. Within hours, they were married in a small, impromptu ceremony at a local courthouse, sealing a bond that would become central to both of their public images. This rushed, unconventional start perfectly encapsulates the passionate and fast-paced nature of their relationship.

Setting the Record Straight with a Vow Renewal

Seven years later, in August 2023, the couple decided to solidify their commitment with a more formal celebration. They returned to Las Vegas, the city where their love story began, and renewed their vows at A Stained Glass Wedding Chapel. This vow renewal was a significant public statement of their enduring love and commitment, especially following a period of intense public and media scrutiny regarding their marriage. The intimate ceremony was a fairytale moment, contrasting sharply with their spur-of-the-moment courthouse wedding years prior.

Recent Relationship Updates: IVF Journey and Rumors Addressed

The DeFords are known for their open-book policy, a practice that allows fans into the most personal aspects of their lives, including their desire to expand their family and their response to circulating rumors. This transparency is a cornerstone of their topical authority and connection with their audience.

The Emotional IVF Journey

One of the most recent and significant updates about the couple involves their journey through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have been incredibly open about their hopes and struggles with fertility, sharing details of the process on social media and Bunnie's popular Dumb Blonde podcast. This public sharing has provided a source of comfort and relatability for many fans facing similar challenges, highlighting their vulnerability and deep desire to have a child together. The ongoing updates underscore their commitment to their future as a family.

Shutting Down "Open Marriage" and Infidelity Rumors

The couple has faced numerous rumors, including speculation about an "open marriage" due to their past lifestyles and Bunnie's previous career as an adult entertainer. Bunnie XO, however, has explicitly and officially shut down these rumors on her podcast and social media, clarifying that their marriage is strictly monogamous. Furthermore, Jelly Roll has been candid about a previous "rough patch" in their marriage, which included an instance of infidelity on his part early in their relationship. He has publicly stated that he had to work hard to rebuild trust with his wife, and that their marriage is now stronger and more "secure" than ever. This level of honesty about past mistakes and the effort required to maintain a healthy marriage is a key factor in why their relationship continues to generate significant public interest and support.

The Strength of the DeFord Family Unit

The relationship between Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO extends beyond just the two of them, encompassing a strong family dynamic that includes Jelly Roll's daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord.

Bunnie XO's Role as a Stepmother

Bunnie XO has taken on a significant role in raising Bailee Ann, who was born from a previous relationship of Jelly Roll’s. Their bond is frequently highlighted on social media, showcasing a supportive and loving blended family. This commitment to co-parenting and creating a stable home environment for Bailee Ann is often cited by fans as evidence of the couple's maturity and devotion to each other and their family.

Supporting Each Other Through Adversity

The couple's strength is often tested by the intense spotlight of fame and their individual pasts. Bunnie XO has been a staunch supporter of Jelly Roll's career, accompanying him to major events like the Grammy Awards and various country music ceremonies. Similarly, Jelly Roll has been openly supportive of Bunnie's endeavors, including her successful podcasting career and her own personal challenges. Their ability to navigate the complexities of fame, past legal issues, and the pressures of public life while remaining a united front is a testament to the depth of their commitment and the unconventional, but enduring, power of their love.