Jelly Roll Files for Divorce From Wife Bunnie XO After Nearly 10 Years of Marriage

Three-time Grammy-winning country star Jelly Roll has filed for divorce from his wife, podcaster and media personality Bunnie XO, after nearly a decade of marriage, multiple outlets confirmed on Monday.

The "Son of a Sinner" singer, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, quietly filed a divorce petition in Williamson County, Tennessee, on May 18, 2026. The split, first reported by TMZ, has been described by sources as mutual and "a private family matter." This news comes just months after the couple celebrated Jelly Roll's triumphant three-Grammy win at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in February, where he emotionally dedicated his Best Contemporary Country Album trophy to Bunnie, stating, "I would never have changed my life without you."

Main Details & In-Depth Breakdown

According to court records obtained by several news organisations, Jelly Roll (41) filed for divorce from Alisa "Bunnie XO" DeFord (46) in the state of Tennessee. The pair married at Las Vegas' famous Little White Wedding Chapel on August 31, 2016. At the time of writing, neither Jelly Roll nor Bunnie XO has made a public statement regarding the split, and their representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

Just hours before the news broke, Bunnie XO posted a cryptic message on her Instagram page featuring a lingerie photo with the caption, "She's getting her sparkle back." The couple had recently been open about plans to expand their family. In Bunnie's February 2026 memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, she revealed they were trying to have twins via a surrogate. "Now that we're finally stable financially and somewhat emotionally after all the healing we've done over this decade together, we're talking about the future—including growing our family," she wrote.

The divorce filing marks a significant turn for a couple who had long been transparent about the challenges in their relationship. Jelly Roll had previously admitted to infidelity during their marriage, calling it "one of the worst moments of my adulthood." In a 2025 podcast appearance, he stated that the couple put in "a lot of work to repair" their relationship, becoming "stronger than we could have ever been."

Public Reaction & Global Outcry

News of the split has shocked fans globally, with social media users expressing sadness over the end of a relationship often held up as a model of redemption and mutual support. Bunnie XO's "sparkle" post has been flooded with comments from fans offering support, while others have pointed to the recent revelation about their IVF and surrogacy plans as making the timing particularly heartbreaking.

On X, fans expressed disbelief, with many noting that the pair appeared inseparable at the Grammys just four months ago. One viral post read, "If Jelly Roll and Bunnie can't make it, is there any hope for love?" Others praised the couple for their history of raw honesty, with a fan commenting, "They showed us that love is hard work. Just because it ended doesn't mean it wasn't real." Meanwhile, entertainment commentators have noted that the quiet, mutual nature of the split suggests a desire to avoid a public feud.

What Happens Next?

As the news settles, attention will turn to the legal proceedings and the couple's future steps. While the split is reportedly amicable, the coming weeks will determine how they navigate co-parenting and their respective careers.

• Legal Proceedings: The divorce filing in Tennessee will now proceed through the court system. Details regarding the division of assets and any potential spousal support remain confidential for now, as the case is not yet public.
• Jelly Roll's Busy Schedule: Despite the personal upheaval, Jelly Roll is expected to continue his professional commitments. He is currently on his "Little ASS Shed Tour," with upcoming dates including shows in Saratoga Springs (June 18), Bangor (June 20), and Gilford (June 21).
• Future Music: Jelly Roll has been teasing a follow-up to his Grammy-winning album "Beautifully Broken." A collaboration with rapper Latto is confirmed, and Bunnie XO herself recently teased that he is recording new rap music, posting on social media that new material "is coming."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When did Jelly Roll file for divorce from Bunnie XO?

A1: Jelly Roll filed for divorce in Williamson County, Tennessee, on May 18, 2026. The news was first reported by TMZ on June 15, 2026, and confirmed by outlets such as Us Weekly, Page Six, and E! News.

Q2: Was the decision to divorce mutual?

A2: According to sources who spoke to TMZ, the split is reportedly mutual and is being treated as a "private family matter." Neither Jelly Roll nor Bunnie XO has publicly commented on the filing yet.

Q3: Do Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have children together?

A3: The couple does not have biological children together. Jelly Roll has two children from previous relationships: daughter Bailee Ann (18) and son Noah Buddy (9). The couple had been open about their plans to have twins via a surrogate.

Q4: What award did Jelly Roll win at the 2026 Grammys?

A4: Jelly Roll won three Grammy Awards at the 2026 ceremony: Best Contemporary Country Album for "Beautifully Broken," Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Amen" with Shaboozey, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" with Brandon Lake.

Q5: Is Jelly Roll still touring?

A5: Yes, Jelly Roll is currently on his "Little ASS Shed Tour," which runs through July 22, 2026. He is also scheduled to join Post Malone on the rescheduled "Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2," which is now set to begin June 9 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Final Thoughts

The divorce filing marks the end of a public relationship defined by radical honesty. Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO never shied away from sharing their struggles, from infidelity to financial insecurity and personal trauma. Their story resonated deeply with fans, not because it was perfect, but because it was real. As they navigate the difficult road ahead, the hope among their supporters is that they can maintain the friendship and mutual respect that helped them overcome so much. For Jelly Roll, the months ahead will be a balancing act of processing personal loss while performing for millions on one of the biggest tours of his career.