The Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship has become one of the most celebrated and authentic love stories in modern entertainment. While many Hollywood romances feel curated for the cameras, the bond between the “Save Me” singer and the Dumb Blonde podcast host is rooted in a gritty, “ride or die” loyalty that began long before the glitz of the Grammy Awards. From their chance meeting in a dive bar to their status as a power couple in 2026, their journey serves as a beacon of hope for anyone believing in second chances and the transformative power of unconditional support.
Quick Bio
| Real Name | Alisa DeFord | Jason Bradley DeFord |
| Date of Birth | January 22, 1980 | December 4, 1984 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 46 Years Old | 41 Years Old |
| Place of Birth | Las Vegas, Nevada | Antioch, Tennessee |
| Primary Career | Host of Dumb Blonde Podcast, Author, Entrepreneur | Singer, Songwriter, Rapper |
| Relationship Status | Married (since 2016) | Married (since 2016) |
| Wedding Date | August 31, 2016 (Renewed 2023) | August 31, 2016 (Renewed 2023) |
| Children | Bailee Ann & Noah Buddy (Stepmother) | Bailee Ann & Noah Buddy (Biological) |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $2–$5 Million | Estimated $16 Million |
| Famous Projects | Stripped Down (Memoir), Dumb Blonde | Beautifully Broken, Whitsitt Chapel |
| Main Keyword Hub | Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship | Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship |
How Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll First Met
The origin of the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship dates back to 2015 at the Las Vegas Country Saloon. At the time, Jelly Roll (born Jason Bradley DeFord) was a struggling independent artist living out of a 1996 van, while Bunnie XO (born Alisa DeFord) was a high-end escort and popular figure in the Vegas scene. Bunnie recalls being immediately drawn to the “big Southern boy” on stage, noting that he had “the saddest eyes” she had ever seen. Despite her being in another relationship during their initial encounter, the two felt an undeniable spark that would eventually lead to a lifelong partnership.
The Impromptu Las Vegas Wedding of 2016
One of the most legendary chapters of the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship is their spontaneous wedding. After dating for about a year, the couple attended a Deftones concert in Las Vegas on August 31, 2016. In a moment of pure adrenaline and love, Jelly Roll proposed to Bunnie on stage. Rather than planning a long engagement, the pair decided to elope that very night. They wandered into a local chapel at 1:00 AM and tied the knot in their concert clothes, embodying the impulsive, passionate nature that still defines their marriage today.
Renovating Vows: A Full-Circle Moment in 2023
Because their original wedding was so hurried, the couple realized years later they weren’t even sure of their exact anniversary date. To remedy this and celebrate their growth, they chose to renew their vows in September 2023. Returning to the same Las Vegas chapel where they first said “I do,” Bunnie finally got her “real” wedding dress moment. This ceremony wasn’t just about a party; it was a public declaration of how the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship had survived the transition from poverty to superstardom without losing its core foundation of mutual respect.
Bunnie XO as a “Beacon of Change”
Jelly Roll has never shied away from the fact that he was “broken” when he met his wife. Having spent over a decade in and out of the legal system, he credits the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship as the primary catalyst for his rehabilitation. He often calls Bunnie a “beacon of change,” noting that she saw his potential when he was at his lowest. In February 2026, while accepting a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Country Album, Jelly Roll tearfully told the audience that he would be “dead or in jail” if it weren’t for his wife’s unwavering belief in him.
Building a Family: Raising Bailee Ann and Noah
The Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship isn’t just about the two of them; it’s about their roles as parents. Bunnie stepped into the role of “Mama Bear” for Jelly’s daughter, Bailee Ann, shortly after they met. In 2017, Bunnie played a pivotal role in helping Jelly Roll gain full custody of Bailee while her biological mother struggled with addiction. Additionally, they co-parent Jelly’s son, Noah Buddy. The couple’s dedication to providing a stable, loving home for their children has been a cornerstone of their life, proving that a “blended” family can be perfectly whole.
The Role of the Dumb Blonde Podcast
While Jelly Roll was conquering the music charts, Bunnie XO was building her own empire. Her Dumb Blonde podcast has become a massive platform where she discusses trauma, business, and her life with Jelly. The Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship is frequently a topic of discussion, with the couple appearing together to share “uncomfortable conversations” about their past. This transparency has endeared them to millions of fans, as they showcase a marriage that is both vulnerable and incredibly resilient in the face of public scrutiny.
Navigating Success and Stardom Together
In recent years, the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship has had to weather the storms of extreme fame. As Jelly Roll transitioned from a cult underground rapper to a multi-platinum country star, the couple’s lifestyle changed drastically. However, they have remained grounded by keeping their “inner circle” small and maintaining the same “us against the world” mentality they had in 2015. Whether they are walking the red carpet at the CMAs or relaxing at their home in Nashville, their chemistry remains electric and authentically documented for their followers.
Supporting Career Milestones: From Indie to Grammys
Bunnie XO was more than just a supportive spouse; she was a financial and strategic partner early on. She famously invested her own savings into Jelly Roll’s 2017 album, Addiction Kills, to ensure his music could reach a wider audience. This level of investment is a recurring theme in the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship. As of 2026, Bunnie XO continues to be his loudest cheerleader, often seen side-stage at every concert, filming content for her fans and ensuring that the “Jelly Roll” brand remains true to its humble roots.
The Couple’s IVF Journey and Future Plans
In 2024 and 2025, the couple became even more transparent by sharing their IVF journey. They have been open about their desire to have a biological child together, documenting the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments. This move further solidified the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship as a source of inspiration, as they used their platform to destigmatize the struggles many couples face when trying to expand their family. Their music video for “Lonely Road” even featured a storyline reflecting these real-life challenges.
Maintaining a “Ride or Die” Dynamic
The term “ride or die” is often overused, but for the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship, it is a lifestyle. They have survived brief separations, legal battles, and the pressures of the entertainment industry. Their secret, as Jelly Roll puts it, is that they are “comfortable having uncomfortable conversations.” They prioritize honesty over image, which is why their fans feel so connected to them. In an era of “soft launches” and “calculated PR,” their raw, unfiltered love stands out as a genuine anomaly.
Bunnie XO’s Memoir: “Stripped Down”
In February 2026, Bunnie XO released her highly anticipated memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic. The book provides an even deeper look into the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship, detailing the “twisted fairytale” they have lived. Bunnie describes the book as a way to close old chapters and move forward into their new life of sobriety and success. The memoir quickly became a bestseller, further establishing Bunnie XO as a powerful voice for women who have overcome significant trauma to find happiness.
Health and Transformation as a Couple
A significant part of the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship in 2025 and 2026 has been their collective focus on health. Jelly Roll has undergone a radical transformation, losing over 200 pounds and adopting a rigorous fitness routine. Bunnie XO has been his primary motivation, often working out alongside him and helping him navigate a new lifestyle of sobriety. This health journey has not only extended Jelly Roll’s career but has also deepened the physical and emotional bond between the two as they enter their second decade together.
Conclusion: Why Their Love Resonates
Ultimately, the Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll relationship is a story of redemption. It proves that your past does not have to dictate your future and that the right partner can help you unlock a version of yourself you never thought possible. As they continue to dominate their respective fields in 2026, they remain the same “misfits” who fell in love in a Vegas bar—just with a few more trophies on the mantle. Their legacy is one of resilience, showing the world that love, when rooted in truth, can truly save a life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll first meet?
The couple met in 2015 at the Las Vegas Country Saloon where Jelly Roll was performing as an opening act. At the time, Bunnie XO was a popular figure in the Vegas scene and Jelly Roll was an independent artist.
2. When did Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll get married?
They first married in an impromptu ceremony on August 31, 2016, in Las Vegas. They later renewed their vows in the same chapel in September 2023 to celebrate their journey and fix their anniversary date.
3. Does Bunnie XO have children with Jelly Roll?
While they do not have biological children together as of early 2026, Bunnie is the devoted stepmother to Jelly’s daughter Bailee Ann and son Noah Buddy. The couple has been documenting their IVF journey to expand their family.
4. What is Bunnie XO’s real name?
Bunnie XO’s legal name is Alisa DeFord. Before her marriage, she was known in the entertainment and podcasting world as Bunnie.
5. How has Bunnie XO influenced Jelly Roll’s career?
Bunnie has been a cornerstone of his success, providing financial support for his early albums and acting as his “beacon of change” during his transition to sobriety and mainstream country music success.
6. What is the name of Bunnie XO’s podcast?
She is the creator and host of the Dumb Blonde podcast, which is a top-rated show where she interviews celebrities and discusses her life and relationship.
