Tennessee Board Recommends that Governor Bill Lee Pardon Country Star Jelly Roll

Country Star Jelly Roll One Step Closer to Pardon

By Tennessee Ledger Staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music sensation Jelly Roll is one step closer to receiving a pardon for his past crimes after the Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously recommended clemency on Tuesday. The final decision now rests with Governor Bill Lee.

The 40-year-old Nashville native, born Jason DeFord, appeared before the board in a hearing that lasted nearly two hours. Several witnesses testified on his behalf, including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, while one board member recused from voting.

“This was incredible,” Jelly Roll said following the board’s decision. “I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.”

The award-winning musician has been transparent about his troubled past, which includes a robbery conviction at age 17 and drug charges at 23. His criminal record has complicated international travel, making it difficult to perform abroad without extensive legal assistance.

“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. “One of the reasons I’m asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I’m looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world.”

Jelly Roll’s remarkable transformation from incarcerated youth to Grammy-nominated artist has been well-documented. He broke into mainstream country music with his 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” and crossover hits like “Need a Favor,” earning multiple CMT Awards, a CMA Award, and four Grammy nominations.

The musician discovered his passion for songwriting while in detention. Today, he regularly visits jails and rehabilitation centers before concerts and engages in numerous charitable activities without seeking publicity.

His pardon application included letters of support from influential figures, including Nashville jail administrator Sheriff Hall and Live Nation Entertainment CEO Michael Rapino, who highlighted Jelly Roll’s generous contributions to charities supporting at-risk youth.

While a pardon would ease his international touring obstacles, particularly in Canada where his criminal record creates significant barriers, Jelly Roll emphasized his long-term vision: “I’ll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s.”

Governor Lee, who has issued more than 90 pardons since taking office in 2019, told reporters Tuesday that every clemency case undergoes thorough review. “The reporting on Jelly Roll, that’s encouraging for his situation, but there are steps yet to happen in that case,” the Republican governor said.

The parole board began considering Jelly Roll’s application in October 2024, which meets the requirement of at least five years since his sentence expired.

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