Jelly Roll’s Greatest Role, A Devoted Father and Family Man
There’s no greater joy than being a father,” shared the country star, reflecting on the blessing of his children.
In just three years, Jelly Roll has skyrocketed to success, selling millions of albums and winning countless awards. He even made his first appearance at the legendary Grand Ole Opry and stole the show during NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration. His story is all about overcoming challenges, and he’s always quick to share that none of this would be possible without the love and support of his family.
For Jelly Roll, or Jason DeFord, family means more than just his marriage to Bunnie XO. He’s also a proud dad to two kids, Bailee Ann and Noah “Buddy” DeFord, who inspire him to move past his struggles and keep family at the heart of everything he does. Reflecting on fatherhood, he wrote in 2020, “Fatherhood has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
Jelly Roll frequently shares how much his family, especially his children and wife, mean to him. In 2024, he told People, “Family comes first for me, and that’s what keeps me grounded. Everything that’s going well in my life is because I stay rooted in the love and support of my family.”
Keep reading to discover everything about the two wonderful kids Jelly Roll is raising alongside his wife, Bunnie XO, and the heartwarming bond they share as a family.
Bailee Ann DeFord, the daughter of Jelly Roll
Bailee Ann was born in 2008, during a time when Jelly Roll—still known as Jason DeFord—was serving time in prison. It was a life-changing moment for him, becoming a father for the first time, even though he couldn’t be there to hold her right away.
Bailee was born to his ex, Felicia Beckwith, and their early years were spent apart. But everything changed after his release. In 2017, Jelly Roll and his wife Bunnie XO took full custody of Bailee, and since then, they’ve been raising her in a loving, supportive home built on growth, healing, and second chances.
Jelly Roll still remembers the day his world shifted forever. Sitting in a prison cell, he learned he had just become a father. In a Billboard interview, he recalled the moment a guard knocked on his door and said, “You had a kid today.” Those words hit him like a wave. In that moment, he felt something he’d never felt before—a deep, urgent need to turn his life around. That day didn’t just make him a dad, it gave him purpose.
Bailee has grown into a beloved figure among Jelly Roll’s fans, often seen by his side in social media posts and making special appearances during his tours. One standout moment that touched many hearts was her role in the music video for Jelly Roll’s 2020 song “Tears Could Talk.” What made it even more special? Bailee penned the heartfelt lyrics herself at just 10 years old—a beautiful glimpse into her talent and their deep father-daughter bond.
During a 2022 interview with 105.7 The Point, Jelly Roll affectionately called Bailee “a little roadie.” He laughed as he talked about her love for music, pointing out how she plays both the piano and guitar.
But she’s not just about music—Bailee also has a passion for theater and drama. “It’s awesome to see,” he said with pride. “She’s really finding her own way to express herself, and I’m all for it.
A Teen with Big Dreams and a Brave Voice
At 16, Bailee has often shared her thoughts and experiences on her stepmom Bunnie XO’s Dumb Blonde podcast. Their conversations are honest and heartfelt. They’ve talked about topics like body image pressures, emotional challenges teens face, and the dreams that inspire her generation.
Last year, Bailee revealed her plans to attend Columbia University, where she hopes to study law and eventually become a criminal defense attorney—a path that reflects her passion for justice and her desire to make a real impact in the world.
Going to Columbia for law has always been my dream,” Bailee said on Bunnie XO’s podcast in November 2024. “Law has always called to me. I believe it’s the key to making a real difference.
I’m passionate about shaking up the judicial system, and the best way to do that is from within. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll run for Congress. Start with law, move on to becoming a judge, and who knows—maybe even reach the White House.
In a recent interview with People, Jelly Roll proudly shared just how much he admires his daughter, Bailee. He described her as being “ahead of her time,” adding, There’s something truly remarkable about her. She doesn’t blend in—she shines. She’s uniquely herself, and it’s something really special.
Noah “Buddy” DeFord, the son of Jelly Roll,
Noah “Buddy” DeFord was born in 2016 to Jelly Roll and Melisa Ann Cowell. He has kept a relatively low profile and stayed out of the public eye. However, social media has offered fans a rare but heartwarming look into his life. One particularly charming TikTok shows the young boy eagerly sharing that red is his absolute favorite color, leaving fans with a smile.
At the 2024 Kids’ Choice Awards, Noah joined his dad and sister for a fun family moment, striking poses in coordinated denim outfits that made them look like the ultimate style squad.
For Jelly Roll, family is the core of everything he does, and that deeply resonates in his music. His 2025 album Beautifully Broken was released under a personalized label, “Bailee & Buddy,” a meaningful tribute to his two children, carrying their names as a testament of his love and admiration for them.
Jelly Roll could soon be adding another name to his family if everything falls into place. He and Bunnie XO recently opened up to their fans about their decision to seek help from IVF specialists in hopes of having a child together. “At first, we planned to keep this private,” Bunnie XO shared (via TODAY) in a 2025 post,
But since we’ve always been so open with our fans, we felt it was important to include them in this part of our journey. It’s been challenging already, and we’re just beginning. J and I are both excited and a little nervous about what’s ahead. We never thought we’d want to grow our family, but something changed this year. Now, we’re both eager to create a little piece of us and add to our already complete family with Bailee and Noah.
Catch Jelly Roll live at NBC’s Opry 100 Celebration!
Blake Shelton leads NBC’s exciting three-hour special, celebrating a century of the Grand Ole Opry, packed with live performances from country music icons, including a special performance by Jelly Roll.
