Country music star files for divorce from wife after nearly a decade
The marriage weathered challenges over the years, including infidelity, a separation and reconciliation in 2018.
Mason Reed 
After nearly a decade of marriage, Grammy-nominated country music star Jason Bradley DeFord—known globally as Jelly Roll—has officially filed for divorce from his wife, Alisa DeFord. The filing, which took place in Tennessee on May 18, brings an end to a partnership that began with a wedding at a Las Vegas chapel in August 2016.
A High-Profile Split
Court records obtained by E! News confirm the legal separation. While neither party has released an official statement regarding the end of their marriage, Alisa DeFord, professionally known as Bunnie Xo, shared an intriguing update on her Instagram Story just before news of the filing broke, posting, “She’s getting her sparkle back.”
Navigating Past Challenges
The couple’s history has been marked by significant highs and lows. They previously weathered a separation in 2018, which led to a reconciliation that the singer described at the time as a “special” turning point for their relationship. In a 2025 podcast appearance, Jelly Roll candidly reflected on the infidelity that strained their marriage, labeling that era as one of the most difficult moments of his adult life.
Shifting Family Plans
The divorce proceedings arrive as the pair had been vocal about their desire to grow their family. Bunnie Xo, host of the “Dumb Blonde” podcast, had previously detailed their search for options involving a surrogate and IVF in her memoir, “Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic.” In a June 2024 Instagram post, the couple expressed a shared hope to add a piece of both of them to their family, which already includes Jelly Roll's two children from previous relationships: 18-year-old Bailee and 9-year-old Noah.
A Long-Standing Connection
The relationship dates back to 2015, when the two met at the Las Vegas Country Saloon while Jelly Roll was living in a van and performing at local venues. Over the years, Bunnie Xo played a pivotal role in his life, including assisting him in gaining custody of his daughter Bailee and providing support during his widely discussed 200-pound weight loss journey. In a September TikTok post, she remained a staunch defender of her husband, noting that despite external criticism, he has “always had the same heart” and “the same soul.”
