Bunnie Xo’s husband, rapper Jelly Roll, filed for divorce in May 2026, according to court records confirmed by multiple outlets. The split follows cryptic Instagram posts from Xo—including a lingerie photo with the caption “She’s getting her sparkle back”—hours before the news broke publicly. Their marriage, which has faced public scrutiny after Jelly Roll’s past infidelity, now appears to be ending after nearly a decade together.
Jelly Roll (Jason Bradley DeFord) filed for divorce in Shelby County, Tennessee, on May 18, 2026, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. The filing was not immediately made public, but sources close to the couple confirmed the separation to multiple media outlets. Representatives for both stars have not responded to requests for comment.
The timing of the divorce filing coincides with a series of posts from Xo (Alisa DeFord) on Instagram, which fans and media have interpreted as foreshadowing the split. On June 15, she shared a video lip-synching to Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me,” a song widely viewed as a metaphor for toxic relationships. The post included the caption “Come here, let me show you what love feels like,” while another read “She’s getting her sparkle back.”
Key Takeaways:
- Jelly Roll filed for divorce in May 2026, confirmed by court records.
- Bunnie Xo’s Instagram posts hinted at the split days before public reports.
- The couple has two children together and previously reconciled after infidelity.
- Legal proceedings are ongoing, with no public statement from either party.
Why Did Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo Get Divorced?
While the exact reasons for the divorce remain private, the couple’s history of public struggles—including Jelly Roll’s admitted infidelity—has fueled speculation. In February 2026, Xo openly discussed their marriage in an interview with Us Weekly, stating, “We didn’t know how to love each other properly. We both were raised in opposite households but weren’t taught how to love correctly.”
Jelly Roll addressed the affair in an October 2025 episode of the Human School podcast, calling it “one of the worst moments of my adulthood.” He added, “I wish our story would’ve gone in the way that it never had an affair. I’m proud of who we are today. I truly am.” Despite the reconciliation, their relationship appeared strained in recent months, with reports of reduced public appearances together.
Legal experts note that Tennessee follows a no-fault divorce system, meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing. However, the couple’s history of public conflicts—including Xo’s 2023 memoir The Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, where she detailed their struggles—may influence proceedings.
What Happened After the Divorce Filing?
The divorce filing was first reported by Us Weekly on June 17, 2026, two days after Xo’s cryptic Instagram posts. The couple had been spotted together as recently as February 2026 at the Grammy Awards, where they shared PDA on the red carpet. However, sources suggest tensions had been building for months.
Xo’s posts—including the Nickelback lip-sync video—have drawn comparisons to the song’s lyrics, which were written by Chad Kroeger during a bitter argument with his then-girlfriend. In a 2025 interview with Louder, Kroeger explained, “I was feeling pretty jaded at the time. I wanted to write some lyrics that were a slap in the face to her.” The song’s music video features Kroeger’s girlfriend literally disappearing, reinforcing its interpretation as a breakup anthem.
Bunnie Xo’s Instagram post lip-synching to Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” on June 15, 2026.
How Does This Affect Their Children?
Jelly Roll and Xo share two children: Noah Buddy, born in 2016 to Jelly Roll’s previous relationship with Melisa Ann Cowell, and Bailee Ann, born in 2008 to his first wife, Felicia Beckwith. Legal documents do not yet detail custody arrangements, but both parents have historically maintained close relationships with their children.
In past interviews, Xo has emphasized the importance of family, stating, “No matter what, my kids come first.” Jelly Roll, too, has publicly supported co-parenting, though details on how the divorce will impact their children remain unclear. Tennessee courts prioritize the “best interests of the child,” which typically includes stability and minimal disruption.
What’s Next for Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo?
As of June 2026, the divorce is in its early stages, with no public statements from either party. Legal proceedings in Tennessee typically take 6–12 months to finalize, depending on asset division and custody agreements. Both stars are expected to continue their careers, though speculation about future collaborations has already begun.
Jelly Roll, known for hits like “Lose It” and “Trapped,” is currently working on new music, while Xo remains active in music and advocacy. Their past public reconciliations suggest a possibility of future cooperation, though their current dynamic remains uncertain.
Next Steps:
- Divorce proceedings are ongoing in Shelby County, Tennessee.
- No public court dates have been scheduled as of June 2026.
- Both parties are expected to focus on their careers and co-parenting.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Split
Social media has exploded with reactions to the divorce, with fans dissecting Xo’s Instagram posts for clues about the split. Some interpret “She’s getting her sparkle back” as a metaphor for personal reinvention, while others view the Nickelback lip-sync as a direct reference to their failing marriage.
Jelly Roll’s fanbase has remained largely silent, though his recent music—including the 2025 album Back of My Mind—has explored themes of introspection. Xo, meanwhile, has continued her advocacy work, including her partnership with organizations supporting domestic abuse survivors.
“It’s not just about the breakup—it’s about the narrative. Bunnie has always been open about their struggles, and this feels like the next chapter.”
Key Dates in Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo’s Relationship
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| August 2016 | Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo marry. | Us Magazine |
| 2018 | Jelly Roll admits to infidelity in public interviews. | Us Weekly |
| February 2026 | Bunnie Xo publishes memoir The Stripped Down. | Publishers Weekly |
| May 18, 2026 | Jelly Roll files for divorce in Tennessee. | Us Weekly |
| June 15, 2026 | Bunnie Xo posts cryptic Instagram messages. | Bunnie Xo’s Instagram |
| June 17, 2026 | Divorce publicly reported. | Us Weekly |
For the latest updates on the divorce proceedings, follow official court filings in Shelby County, Tennessee. Fans are encouraged to respect the couple’s privacy during this time.
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