Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo Reveal Amicable Divorce After Mother's Day Conflict Sparked Split

Country music artist Jelly Roll and podcast host Bunnie Xo announced their divorce after a decade of marriage, yet both have emphasized they remain best friends with deep affection for one another. The split was triggered by a Mother's Day disagreement that prompted Bunnie Xo to leave and ultimately led Jelly Roll to file paperwork on May 18. In an unexpected development, the former couple confirmed they are proceeding with plans to have a baby together, describing themselves as the most unconventional couple their audience has encountered.

The Timeline and Trigger

According to court documents filed in Tennessee's Williamson County, Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) initiated divorce proceedings on May 18, citing May 9 as their separation date. News of the split did not become public until June 15, nearly a month later. Bunnie Xo, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, revealed on her Dumb Blonde podcast that a Mother's Day argument catalyzed their separation. She explained that after more than a year of underlying struggles, the couple had difficulty addressing disagreements directly, leading both to suppress frustrations—a dynamic she described as unsustainable.

During the Mother's Day confrontation, Bunnie Xo said she became "so fed up" that she told Jelly Roll to file for divorce. However, she clarified that while she initiated the conversation, she had not necessarily intended the marriage to dissolve. After processing the reality of his filing, she stated they are "ending this marriage on the best possible terms" and emphasized their enduring connection.

Remaining Connected and Future Plans

In a YouTube video titled "The Divorce Vlog," Jelly Roll addressed the split directly, featuring a phone call with Bunnie Xo that demonstrated their warm rapport. When the camera captured him promising to deliver details about their breakup, he called her and said, "Yeah, y'all thought we were gonna hate each other. Plot twist." Bunnie Xo laughed in response, and Jelly Roll concluded by saying, "Love you, baby," to which she replied, "Love you, bye."

Both have addressed rumors circulating since the announcement. Bunnie Xo publicly denied reports that she cheated or left Jelly Roll for another person, specifically refuting claims she was involved with Nickelback lead singer Chad Kroeger. She also dismissed false allegations that Jelly Roll was dating country artist Jessie Murph. On her podcast, Bunnie Xo emphasized the authenticity of their 10-year relationship, saying, "I don't care what anybody says: It was real. The proof is in the pudding. Look what the f— we built, ladies and gentlemen." She added that the only way their accomplishments together could have happened was through genuine love and partnership.

Perhaps most notably, both confirmed they are moving forward with their plan to have a child together. Bunnie Xo stated, "We're still having a baby. We have been the most unconventional couple that you guys have ever encountered." This decision underscores their commitment to co-parenting and maintaining their family unit despite ending their marriage.