Jelly Roll, the country music artist known for his genre-crossing success, has filed for divorce from his wife, Bunnie XO, after nearly a decade of marriage. Court documents filed on May 18 in Williamson County, Tennessee, confirm the legal end of the union between the musician, born Jason DeFord, and his spouse, Alisa DeFord, professionally known as Bunnie XO.
The couple, who married in a private ceremony in August 2016, have stated through representatives that the separation is a mutual decision and a private family matter. Despite the dissolution of their marriage, both parties have committed to continuing their roles as co-parents to their two children, Bailee and Noah, from their respective previous relationships.
A Decade of Partnership and Public Challenges
The relationship between Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO began in 2015, followed by a secret courthouse wedding in Las Vegas the following year. Their history has been marked by both professional triumphs and significant personal hurdles. In August 2023, the couple reaffirmed their commitment by renewing their wedding vows at the same Las Vegas chapel where they were originally married.
The marriage faced a notable period of instability in 2018. During that time, the couple separated after Bunnie XO discovered that Jelly Roll had been unfaithful. This period of their lives was later detailed in Bunnie XO’s memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, which provided an intimate look at the challenges they navigated to remain together. In October 2025, Jelly Roll addressed the infidelity publicly on the Human School Podcast, describing the event as one of the most difficult moments of his adult life. At the time of the reconciliation, Bunnie XO publicly defended the choice to stay, stating that it requires significant strength to face pain and choose to rebuild a relationship.
Professional Trajectories and Public Life
Jelly Roll’s career has seen a meteoric rise over the last three years, establishing him as a prominent figure in both country and mainstream music charts. His 2022 single, “Son of a Sinner,” achieved No. 1 status on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, and his 2023 album Whitsitt Chapel reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200. His industry recognition includes winning the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year in 2023 and earning multiple Grammy nominations. Throughout this period of high-profile success, Jelly Roll has frequently credited Bunnie XO for her role in his personal transformation and career stability, most notably during his appearance at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Bunnie XO has simultaneously built a substantial career as a podcaster and digital content creator. Her show, Dumb Blonde, has cultivated a dedicated audience, allowing her to establish an independent professional identity alongside her husband’s musical career. Earlier this year, in February 2026, Bunnie XO shared her aspirations regarding family expansion, noting on social media that the couple was exploring the possibility of having twins via surrogacy.
Current Status and Next Steps
As of mid-June 2026, neither party has issued a formal public statement regarding the filing. On June 15, hours before the news of the divorce became public, Bunnie XO posted an image to her Instagram account accompanied by the caption, “She’s getting her sparkle back.” The post signaled to followers a shift in her personal narrative following the legal filing in Tennessee.
The legal process remains in its early stages in Williamson County. As a private matter, further details regarding the division of assets or specific custody arrangements have not been disclosed in public filings. There are no currently scheduled public hearings or further court mandates beyond the initial filing. Representatives for both parties have been contacted for comment, though no additional information has been provided at this time. Updates regarding the case will be monitored through official court records as they become available.