Jelly Roll Receives Pardon Recommendation from Tennessee Board

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Board of Parole has unanimously recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll during a hearing on April 22, 2025. The decision now awaits approval from Republican Governor Bill Lee.

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has a past marked by drug-related crimes and incarceration. He spoke to the board about his struggles and his journey to fame in the music industry. His criminal history poses challenges for international performances, as he is seeking to travel abroad to share his story of redemption.

“I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible,” Jelly Roll told the board. He has been a vocal advocate for reformation, using his platform to inspire others.

The board’s recommendation followed nearly two hours of testimonies from various witnesses, including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, who expressed support for Jelly Roll’s pardon. Hall remarked on Jelly Roll’s transformation and the positive impact of his advocacy efforts.

At 40 years old, Jelly Roll’s troubled moments began at age 17 with a robbery charge, followed by drug-related convictions that led to multiple stints in jail. Notably, an 2008 arrest involving marijuana and crack cocaine resulted in an eight-year sentence of court-ordered supervision.

Since rising to fame in 2022, he has actively engaged in initiatives to combat the fentanyl crisis in the U.S., delivering powerful testimonies in Washington, D.C., where he shared his belief that selling drugs was once considered a victimless crime.

‘This was incredible,’ Jelly Roll said of the board’s decision. ‘I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.’ He detailed how songwriting became a therapeutic outlet while he was incarcerated, transforming his life in unimaginable ways.

Prior to the parole board’s recommendation, Jelly Roll had struggled to secure a passport, inhibiting his ability to perform internationally due to his past convictions. He mentioned the complicated process involved in gaining permission to travel, highlighting the barriers he faces as a former felon.

Governor Bill Lee has stated that the recommendation is encouraging, yet there are still steps required before a final decision is made. Support from community leaders and former colleagues underscored Jelly Roll’s efforts toward redemption, exemplifying his commitment to giving back.