Jelly Roll’s journey from underground rapper to chart-topping country star has captivated millions. Behind the success of the “Son of a Sinner” singer stands one constant source of support—his wife, Bunnie XO, whose presence has been central to his personal and professional growth.
Jelly Roll met his wife, Bunnie XO, in 2015 at one of his concerts in Las Vegas. The two first connected backstage at the Country Saloon, a moment that eventually sparked a love story that would change both of their lives.
How Did Jelly Roll Meet His Wife Bunnie XO?
Jelly Roll met his wife, Bunnie XO, in 2015 at one of his concerts in Las Vegas. The show took place at the Country Saloon, a small venue where Jelly Roll was performing long before mainstream fame. Bunnie attended the concert as a fan, and the two met backstage after the performance, where they instantly felt a natural connection.
However, they didn’t start dating right away. At the time, Bunnie XO was in another relationship, and Jelly Roll was focused on surviving financially and building his music career. Because of this, they chose to remain friends and stayed in touch. It wasn’t until later, when circumstances changed, that their connection turned romantic—laying the foundation for their lasting relationship.
Where Did Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO First Meet?
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO first met backstage at a 2015 concert in Las Vegas at the Country Saloon, a modest venue with only about 20–30 attendees. At the time, Jelly Roll was far from the mainstream fame he enjoys today, performing small shows and living in a van while trying to build his music career.
For Bunnie XO, this encounter was life-changing. Despite being in another relationship, she felt an immediate connection with Jelly Roll, later describing it as a moment when their souls recognized each other. This backstage meeting didn’t just spark a friendship—it set the stage for a romance that would eventually become a decade-long marriage and transform both of their lives personally and professionally.
Were Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Dating When They First Met?
When Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO first met in 2015, she was in another relationship, so romance wasn’t possible at the time. Instead of rushing into anything, the two chose to build a friendship first, staying in touch and supporting each other from afar.
Their connection was grounded in mutual respect and genuine care. Jelly Roll admired Bunnie’s honesty and personality, while she appreciated his authenticity despite his struggles. This foundation of trust and respect allowed their bond to grow naturally, eventually transforming from friendship into a loving relationship once the timing was right.
When Did Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Start Dating?
After their initial meeting in 2015, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO reconnected later that year once her previous relationship ended. They began spending more time together, supporting each other through personal challenges and forming a deeper bond.
The turning point came in 2016, when Jelly Roll returned to Las Vegas to film music videos and stayed with Bunnie. During this period, their connection shifted from friendship to romance. Despite facing emotional and financial struggles—including Jelly Roll living in a van and navigating custody challenges for his daughter—the couple leaned on each other, strengthening their relationship and laying the groundwork for a lifelong partnership.
How Jelly Roll Proposed to Bunnie XO
Jelly Roll proposed to Bunnie XO onstage in Las Vegas in 2016 during a Yelawolf and Deftones concert, turning a public moment into a deeply personal one. The on-stage proposal reflected their adventurous, spontaneous love and symbolized Jelly Roll’s commitment to building a future together despite their unconventional beginnings.
The moment mattered because it marked the transition from dating to lifelong partnership, showcasing their willingness to embrace love fully, even in front of an audience. Fans were captivated by the heartfelt gesture, seeing it as a symbol of their authenticity, devotion, and the unique “white-trash love story” that Jelly Roll often fondly references.
When Did Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Get Married?
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO got married in August 2016, just hours after their on-stage engagement in Las Vegas. They headed straight to a nearby chapel and had a same-day wedding, making the moment spontaneous and unforgettable.
The couple chose to elope because they wanted a simple, intimate ceremony without the stress of planning a traditional wedding. What made it unique was the combination of impulsiveness and authenticity—they turned a public proposal into a private vow exchange, cementing their commitment in true Vegas style. This story perfectly captures their adventurous spirit and the genuine bond they share.
Challenges Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Faced Early On
Early in their relationship, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO faced significant challenges. At the time, Jelly Roll was living in a van and performing small shows, struggling financially to make ends meet. Meanwhile, he was also navigating custody battles for his daughter Bailee, which added emotional and legal pressure to their lives.
Their journey wasn’t without mistakes—Jelly Roll has publicly admitted to infidelity during the early years of their marriage. Despite these hardships, the couple chose to rebuild trust through honesty, communication, and unwavering support. By leaning on each other during tough times, they transformed obstacles into opportunities to strengthen their relationship, proving the resilience of their love.
Why Jelly Roll Credits Bunnie XO for Changing His Life
Jelly Roll often credits Bunnie XO for being a major influence on his life, both personally and professionally. She has supported him through career milestones, from investing in his early albums to helping him secure custody of his daughter, providing stability when he needed it most.
Beyond career support, Bunnie has also been instrumental in Jelly Roll’s personal growth. He has described her as a “beacon of change”, highlighting how her guidance, honesty, and unwavering presence helped him overcome past mistakes and develop as a husband, father, and artist. In his words, she is his backbone, inspiring him to stay focused, accountable, and committed to their shared life.
Do Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO Have Children?
Bunnie XO is the stepmother to Jelly Roll’s children, including his daughter Bailee from a previous relationship and his son Noah. She has embraced her role wholeheartedly, building a strong, nurturing bond with Bailee and helping Jelly Roll navigate parenting challenges.
Together, they manage a blended family while continuing to grow their relationship. The couple has also shared plans to expand their family through IVF in the future, showing their commitment to creating a loving home and continuing their journey together as partners and parents.
Why Their Love Story Resonates With Fans
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s love story resonates with fans because it is real and imperfect, showing that even successful people face struggles, mistakes, and challenges in relationships. Their journey highlights honesty, growth, and resilience, as they’ve navigated financial hardships, custody battles, and personal missteps while staying committed to each other.
Fans admire their bond because it feels authentic and relatable. Unlike many celebrity relationships, theirs is grounded in support, communication, and mutual respect, proving that love isn’t just about fairy-tale moments—it’s about working through life’s ups and downs together. Their story inspires audiences to value trust, patience, and partnership in their own relationships.
Final Thoughts
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO first met backstage at a 2015 Las Vegas concert, where a spark of connection eventually turned into a lifelong partnership. From their spontaneous Vegas wedding to navigating financial struggles, custody battles, and personal mistakes, their journey has been anything but ordinary.
Their love story stands out because of its authenticity, resilience, and unwavering support for each other. Through every challenge, they have shown that true partnership requires honesty, patience, and commitment. Today, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO remain an inspiring example of how love can grow stronger when two people choose to fight for it, no matter the odds.
FAQ’s
Where did Jelly Roll meet his wife?
Jelly Roll met his wife, Bunnie XO, backstage at a 2015 concert in Las Vegas at the Country Saloon.
When did Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO meet?
They first met in 2015, initially forming a friendship before starting their romantic relationship in 2016.
How long have Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO been married?
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have been married since August 2016, making their marriage over 7 years as of 2024.
Did Jelly Roll meet his wife before he was famous?
Yes, Jelly Roll met Bunnie XO before achieving mainstream fame, during a time when he was performing small shows and living in a van.
What does Bunnie XO do for a living?
Bunnie XO (Alyssa DeFord) is a podcaster, social media personality, and former model, best known for hosting the Dumb Blonde Podcast and creating content across TikTok and YouTube.
