NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country music star Jelly Roll has filed for divorce from his wife of 10 years, according to court documents.
The complaint, filed in Franklin, Tennessee, by the “Hard Fought Hallelujah” singer, cites irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. The couple married in Las Vegas in 2016. The filing lists May 9 as the date of separation.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, won three Grammy Awards earlier this year, including best contemporary country album for “Beautifully Broken.” During his acceptance speech, he thanked his wife, Alisa DeFord, known as Bunnie Xo, saying, “I would have never changed my life without you. I would have ended up dead or in jail.”
The Nashville native’s music often explores overcoming adversity and his journey back from drugs and prison. He speaks about his redemption arc to diverse audiences, including incarcerated individuals, concertgoers, and even during testimony before Congress.
In December, Tennessee’s Republican Governor Bill Lee issued a pardon for Jelly Roll following an outpouring of support from friends and civic leaders.
In a memoir released in February, Xo described Jelly Roll as her “soulmate” and credited their strong connection for keeping them together through challenges. A message to her attorneys seeking comment was not immediately returned on Tuesday. A representative for Jelly Roll also did not respond to messages.
