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Jelly Roll is opening up about how his weight loss journey impacted several areas of his life.
The country star, 41, spoke with Extra following the live premiere of Netflix’s Star Search about the holistic impact of his weight loss journey. Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, shared with the outlet that losing 300 lbs. made him a “better father.”
“I’ve gotten closer to God. I’ve gotten closer to myself. I’m a better father,” he told the outlet. “I’m more present with my children. You should see it, dude. I mean, I’m coaching my son’s basketball team this year.”
“They’re kids, like I’m not coaching like a competitive team or anything here, but … I just feel physically better, and I feel like I can physically do [things],” he continued. “Dude, when you’re 550 lbs, you wonder if they have a seat big enough for you, you know what I mean? You definitely don’t think about trying to coach a team. You wonder if there’s a bench you can sit on, you know? So, it’s like for God to just even make that big of a difference [and] to have the weight off … I’m a whole different human.”
The proud dad first began his fatherhood journey in May 2008 with the birth of his daughter, Bailee Ann. Eight years later, he expanded his family with his son Noah Buddy in August 2016. Jelly Roll is looking forward to expanding his family even more in the future with his wife, Bunnie Xo.
On May 8, the artist spoke with Access Hollywood on the carpet at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards and gave an update on where he and Bunnie Xo were in their IVF journey.
“We’re right in the middle of the journey,” he told the outlet. “For all of our friends out there who have been supporting and praying for us that know the journey we are on, y’all know how hard it is, thanks for praying for us. We’re still trying.”
Both the “All My Life” singer and Bunnie Xo, real name Alyssa DeFord, have been vocal about their desire to expand their family. In fact, Jelly Roll has shared in the past that his desire see his kids and potential new additions grow up inspired him to lose weight. In June 2024, Jelly Roll appeared on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast and revealed he decided to lose over 60 pounds to live longer.
“My wife and I are talking about having a baby, and it really made me realize that at almost 40, I was like, it means I got to live to at least 60,” Jelly Roll shared. “I got to see this kid into college.”
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The proud dad never misses the opportunity to spend some quality time with his children. Back in December, he sat courtside at the Tennessee Volunteers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini basketball game in Nashville, next to his son, Noah Buddy. It was a rare father-son outing as the two enjoyed the college basketball game together.
Back in December 2024, Jelly Roll’s son also joined him on the red carpet of the Los Angeles premiere of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The pre-teen shared both his love for Sonic and his dad’s music while chatting with Entertainment Tonight.
“Sonic is my favorite character,” the then-8-year-old revealed. When asked which of his dad’s songs is his favorite, Noah excitedly told the outlet, “Creature!”
