Jelly Roll’s 200-Pound Transformation: Bunnie XO’s Role in His Success

In a world where personal transformations often remain hidden behind closed doors, country music star Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, has chosen to share his remarkable weight loss journey with the world. Shedding nearly 200 pounds from a starting weight of 540 pounds, Jelly Roll’s story is not just about physical change but also about emotional healing, determination, and the unwavering support of his wife, Bunnie XO. This is the tale of a man who faced his lifelong struggle with obesity head-on, with his soulmate by his side, cooking healthy meals, exercising together, and building a stronger bond through their shared commitment to a healthier life.

A Lifelong Battle with Weight

Jelly Roll’s struggle with weight began in childhood, a battle that followed him into adulthood and shaped much of his life. At his heaviest, he weighed over 550 pounds, a number that brought not only physical challenges but also emotional and mental hurdles. In a candid moment, he recalled the humiliation of being told by a doctor to find a scale at a meat processor or truck stop because standard scales couldn’t accommodate his weight. This moment, one of the most embarrassing of his life, became a turning point. “I’ve been obese since I was a small child,” he shared. “All I’ve ever known was being fat, and I was miserable.”

Determined to rewrite his story, Jelly Roll embarked on a weight loss journey that began in 2016. However, the path wasn’t linear. After losing roughly 200 pounds, he regained 60 pounds due to poor eating habits and the chaotic lifestyle of touring. The demands of life on the road—late nights, inadequate sleep, and easy access to unhealthy food—made maintaining his progress difficult. But in 2022, Jelly Roll recommitted to his health, and this time, he had a secret weapon: his wife, Bunnie XO.

Bunnie XO: The Heart of His Transformation

Jelly Roll met Bunnie XO, whose real name is Alyssa DeFord, in 2015 at a Las Vegas concert. Their connection was instant, and they married in 2016, just hours after he proposed onstage. Bunnie, a model, entrepreneur, and host of the Dumb Blonde podcast, became more than just a partner—she became Jelly Roll’s biggest cheerleader and an integral part of his weight loss journey. “She saw the version of me that no one else did,” Jelly Roll said, his voice filled with gratitude. “She believed I could do it, even when I didn’t.”

Bunnie’s support went beyond emotional encouragement. She took an active role in helping Jelly Roll transform his relationship with food. Recognizing his love for comfort foods like Nashville hot chicken, Bunnie worked with a nutritionist to create healthier versions of his favorite dishes. Instead of frying, they used potato and rice flour to keep the flavor without the excess calories. She prepared meals high in protein and vegetables, ensuring that Jelly Roll could enjoy his food while staying on track. “Being on a weight loss journey doesn’t mean stopping eating everything you love,” Jelly Roll noted. “It’s about finding a balance.”

One standout dish was a Waffle House-inspired breakfast bowl, packed with lean proteins and wholesome ingredients. Bunnie also introduced a protein-packed poutine, a creative twist on a classic that kept Jelly Roll satisfied without derailing his goals. Between meals, she ensured he had access to nutritious snacks, like a peanut butter cookie dough-like treat topped with sliced bananas, which provided energy and curbed cravings. Her efforts made healthy eating sustainable, even during the chaos of touring.

A Shared Commitment to Fitness

Exercise was another cornerstone of Jelly Roll’s transformation, and Bunnie was right there with him, lacing up her sneakers and hitting the pavement. In January 2024, Jelly Roll began training for his first 5K, a goal that seemed unattainable when he could barely walk a mile. With Bunnie by his side, they trained together, gradually building his endurance. By May 2024, they crossed the finish line of the 2 Bears 5K together, a moment that symbolized their shared commitment. “We did it as a team,” Jelly Roll said, his pride evident. “That finish line wasn’t just about me—it was about us.”

Their exercise routine extended beyond running. Jelly Roll incorporated daily walks of two to three miles, four to six days a week, and added 20 to 30 minutes in the sauna and six-minute cold plunges to his regimen. These practices not only aided his weight loss but also boosted his mental clarity. Bunnie joined him in these activities, turning workouts into bonding moments. They played basketball with his tour crew, boxed, and even visited juvenile detention centers to play games with inmates, making fitness a part of their lifestyle rather than a chore.

Overcoming Food Addiction

For Jelly Roll, weight loss was as much about healing his mind as it was about transforming his body. He openly described himself as a “lifelong food addict,” admitting that food had been his coping mechanism, much like a drug. “I would scan the room and make a count of everything I could eat,” he recalled. Therapy, meditation, and gratitude journaling became essential tools in addressing the emotional roots of his eating habits. “I had to stop eating my feelings,” he said. “Once I realized food was my drug, everything changed.”

Bunnie’s presence provided a safe space for Jelly Roll to confront these challenges. Her unwavering support gave him the strength to push through moments of doubt. “She’s my rock,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I wouldn’t be here without her.” Their partnership extended to emotional check-ins with their tour crew, fostering a culture of openness and accountability that kept Jelly Roll grounded.

A Public Journey of Inspiration

Unlike many who prefer to lose weight privately, Jelly Roll chose to share his journey publicly, hoping to inspire others. “I think people who become as big as I was, when they lose weight, they’re ashamed,” he said on Bunnie’s Dumb Blonde podcast. “I want to lose it in front of everybody. I want to talk about it.” His transparency resonated with fans, who flooded social media with support. Posts on X celebrated his progress, with one user noting, “Jelly Roll’s transformation is incredible. He’s proof you can change your life with hard work and love.”

Jelly Roll’s goals extend beyond the scale. He aims to lose another 100 pounds to reach under 250 pounds, a weight that will allow him to skydive with Bunnie in Sweden, ride roller coasters, and even wrestle an alligator. He also set his sights on a bold dream: gracing the cover of Men’s Health by March 2026. “I want to have one of the biggest transformations,” he declared, his determination unwavering.

A Love That Fuels Change

At the heart of Jelly Roll’s journey is his love for Bunnie. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and shared dreams, has been a driving force. From their whirlwind Las Vegas wedding to renewing their vows in 2023, their bond has only grown stronger. Bunnie, who also lost weight in 2024, joined Jelly Roll in prioritizing health, making it a family mission. “We’re in this together,” she said, her voice filled with pride. “He’s not just changing his life—he’s changing ours.”

Jelly Roll’s gratitude for Bunnie is palpable. “When I met her, I knew I didn’t want to be with anyone else,” he said. “She’s the reason I’m still here, still fighting.” Their love story, marked by late-night talks, shared workouts, and healthy meals, is a testament to the power of partnership in overcoming life’s challenges.

Looking Ahead

As Jelly Roll continues his journey, he remains focused on sustainable change. His diet, exercise, and mental health practices are now part of his daily life, supported by Bunnie’s love and creativity in the kitchen. From performing at sold-out arenas to walking the red carpet at the 2025 ACM Awards, Jelly Roll’s transformation is evident not just in his slimmer frame but in his confidence and energy. “I feel like a new man,” he said. “And I’m just getting started.”

For Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, this journey is about more than weight loss—it’s about reclaiming life, embracing love, and inspiring others to do the same. As they continue to support each other, their story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own mountains.