Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has pardoned music star Jelly Roll of his crimes in the state in recognition of Jelly Roll’s recovery from drug addiction and his spiritual transformation.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee told reporters.
Jelly Roll, whose legal name is Jason Bradley DeFord, is an award-winning country singer who has gained widespread recognition among American Christians for his collaboration with Brandon Lake on the song “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” Jelly Roll has spoken often about his spiritual journey and has processed his story publicly and in real time.
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Throughout his life, Jelly Roll has struggled with substance abuse, and he was in and out of prison for a decade. His crimes included aggravated robbery, shoplifting, drug possession and drug dealing.
However, the singer has been on a journey of addiction recovery, spiritual exploration, improved mental health—and most recently, improved physical health. In a recent conversation with podcaster Joe Rogan, Jelly Roll indicated that he had lost nearly 300 lbs. He credited his transformation to Jesus.
“There’s a Scripture in the Bible that says in Christ all things are a new creation, which I thought was interesting because it didn’t talk about restoring the old,” Jelly Roll told Rogan. “It says that in God we are a completely new creation. You know what I mean?”
“I was looking at it at first like I’m restoring my heart. But then when you’re saying that, I’m like, ‘No, I didn’t restore my heart. I got a whole new heart,’” he said. “This is a brand new heart, Joe. You know what I mean? It might be cloaked as the old one, but God touched it. It’s a whole new heart, baby. It’s a different heart.”
In November when he learned that he had been nominated for three Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll said, “I think this has nothing to do with me or the Recording Academy. Frankly, I think this year is all Jesus, baby.”
The parole board began considering Jelly Roll’s pardon application in October 2024. Advocates for the music star included Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who oversees a jail that once held Jelly Roll.
