Country music star Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, filed for divorce from his wife, Alisa DeFord, known professionally as Bunnie Xo, in May 2026 citing irreconcilable differences [1, 2]. The divorce papers were submitted on May 18 in Williamson County, Tennessee, following the couple's separation on May 9 [1, 2].

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo married in Las Vegas in 2016 after meeting a year earlier in 2015 [1, 2]. The pair renewed their vows in 2023, highlighting the longevity of their relationship despite previous setbacks [1]. They share one child, Noah Buddy, in addition to Jelly Roll's daughter Bailee Ann from a prior relationship [1, 2].

The couple's relationship has seen public struggles before. They separated in 2018 after Bunnie Xo discovered Jelly Roll had an affair that lasted several months [1, 2]. Reflecting on the incident, Bunnie Xo said she was devastated and hurt, recounting, "I didn’t think he would be the one person to do that. I thought he was different. And at that moment, my heart was broken" [2]. She also addressed the challenges stemming from their backgrounds, noting their marriage was far from traditional since she was a working girl and he was a former drug dealer turned artist [2].

Bunnie Xo left sex work in 2023 and hosts the Dumb Blonde podcast. She published a memoir in 2026 detailing their relationship and personal struggles [1, 2]. She told one outlet, "I was SO scared to let go of that part of my life & leave behind the money I was making – wasn’t sure how I’d make up that part of my business. But I had faith & let God have it & he made sure I made it back 10 fold" [1].

Jelly Roll, 41 at filing, rose from rapping to country stardom and won a Grammy Award in February 2026 for Best Contemporary Country Album [1, 2]. At the Grammy ceremony, the couple appeared affectionate on the red carpet and Jelly Roll publicly acknowledged Bunnie during his acceptance speech [2]. Earlier that year, Jelly Roll was pardoned by the Tennessee governor for previous convictions relating to robbery and drug offenses from the early 2000s [1].

The couple’s separation in early May and subsequent divorce filing mark a significant turn after nearly a decade of marriage. The finalization date and further proceedings have not yet been announced.