The story of Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo is, as Bunnie herself describes it, “the most f–king cliché s–t.” But beneath the familiar tropes of a Vegas meeting and unlikely attraction lies a connection that has propelled both individuals to new heights, and a relationship built on a foundation of honesty, even when that honesty is difficult.
Their paths first crossed in August 2015 at the Las Vegas Country Saloon. Jelly Roll, then known as Jason DeFord and still years away from mainstream country stardom, was performing for a modest crowd of around 20 people while living out of his van. Bunnie, working as a call girl at the time, was immediately struck by something in the performer. “When I met him, I tell everybody it’s the most f–king cliché s–t, but literally my soul was like, ‘There you are,’” she recalled on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast in 2023. She readily admits he wasn’t her “type,” noting his preference for artists like Taylor Swift, but the connection was undeniable.
However, a romance didn’t blossom immediately. Bunnie was entangled in an unhealthy relationship, and Jelly Roll was focused on his own journey. Their paths converged again in October 2015, and Bunnie found herself “just smitten.” The connection deepened as Jelly Roll, still navigating the early stages of his career, began seeking her advice, particularly regarding his daughter, Bailee, from a previous relationship. Bunnie became a sounding board, offering support as he worked through the challenges of fatherhood.
The turning point came in July 2016, during a trip to Vegas where Jelly Roll was filming music videos. After a night of heavy drinking, their connection shifted from platonic to physical. As Bunnie recounted, the moment was both chaotic and revealing. “We’re like s–t-faced drunk,” she remembered. “I’m trying to get it up, get it in, get it on and get it out, and this guy was like, ‘What’s your five-year plan?’”
That question, seemingly out of place in the moment, proved pivotal. It signaled a level of seriousness and a desire for something more than a fleeting encounter. They spent the night discussing their aspirations, and Jelly Roll, after hearing Bunnie’s goals, simply stated, “OK, cool. Let’s do it.” This marked the beginning of their life together, a partnership built on a shared vision for the future.
Their relationship hasn’t been without its complexities. Bunnie Xo, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, recently released her memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic
, which delves into her past traumas, including experiences with domestic and sexual assault, and a teenage abortion. Jelly Roll admitted to PEOPLE on , that reading the memoir was “rough,” forcing him to revisit painful moments in their shared history. Despite the emotional toll, he expressed immense pride in her bravery for sharing her story so openly.
“It was rough at times just for me to read it. You know what I mean? We went through a lot of pain and having to go through it together, but reading the whole book and seeing where it ended at is really touching,” Jelly Roll said. He praised her for being “brave” and for talking about everything “fearlessly.”
The couple, married since 2016, are now planning to expand their family through IVF with a surrogate. Bunnie is also a stepmother to Jelly Roll’s daughter, Bailee, and son, Noah. Their journey, from a chance encounter in a Las Vegas bar to building a life and family together, is a testament to the power of connection and the courage to confront the past. As Bunnie Xo reflected at the , their story is a “crazy, twisted fairytale,” one she recognized from the very beginning. “When I saw him the first night I met him, the first thing I said to him was, ‘You’re special,’ and I meant it.”
The release of Bunnie Xo’s memoir offers a deeper understanding of the woman behind the public persona and the challenges she and Jelly Roll have overcome. It’s a story of resilience, healing, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of adversity. Jelly Roll’s success, particularly his recent Grammy recognition, is often attributed, in part, to the unwavering support and honesty of his wife, a partnership that continues to evolve and inspire.
