Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO do not share any biological children, but Bunnie has long played an important role in raising the country singer’s two children from previous relationships. The couple, who married in 2016 after meeting the year before, announced in May 2026 that their decade-long marriage had ended after Jelly Roll filed for divorce. Despite the split, family has remained a central part of the public image they built together.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, is the father of two children: daughter Bailee Ann DeFord and son Noah Buddy DeFord. Bailee Ann, born on May 22, 2008, has been one of the most visible parts of Jelly Roll’s personal story. He has often said that becoming a father changed his life while he was incarcerated, giving him a reason to rethink his future and focus on creating stability. Over the years, Bailee has appeared with her father at public events and red carpet appearances, and she has spoken about her bond with both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO.
Noah Buddy, born in August 2016, has been kept largely out of the spotlight. Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have said they respect his privacy and the wishes of his mother. In interviews, Jelly Roll has explained that the family is careful about posting social media content around Noah and tries not to expose him publicly. He has also said that while he makes many of the decisions for Bailee, he does not want to interfere with the co-parenting arrangement surrounding Noah.
The two children have different mothers. Bailee Ann was born to Jelly Roll’s former girlfriend, Felicia Beckwith. During Bailee’s early years, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO eventually gained primary custody, and Bunnie became a major parental figure in her life. Noah Buddy was born to a woman named Melisa, who has remained outside of the public eye. Jelly Roll has described their co-parenting relationship as respectful and private, with an emphasis on honoring her boundaries.
Jelly Roll has frequently spoken about fatherhood as one of the most important parts of his life. His social media posts and interviews often reflect how deeply he values his children and the role they have played in motivating personal growth. Although his marriage to Bunnie XO has ended, his relationship with his children remains a defining part of his story, and both Bailee and Noah continue to be central to his life and public narrative.
