The Untold Story Of Jelly Roll's Kids: Bailee Ann And Noah Buddy DeFord's Lives In 2025

As of December 2025, the world's fascination with country music's biggest breakout star, Jelly Roll, continues to grow, but his most important story isn't on the charts—it's at home with his two children. The artist, whose powerful music often chronicles his journey from hardship to redemption, is a devoted father to his daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, and his son, Noah Buddy DeFord. Their lives, especially in the last year, have become a major focus for fans eager to see the man behind the music embrace his role as a family man, frequently sharing glimpses of their blended family dynamic. Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has made it clear that his children are the central motivation for his transformation. From his past struggles with addiction and incarceration to his current status as a Grammy-nominated musician, his commitment to being a present and loving father to Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy has been the anchor of his success. The recent public appearances and personal milestones of his children offer a fresh look into the private life of this uniquely authentic country-rock icon.

Jelly Roll's Complete Biography and Profile

For those just tuning into the phenomenon that is Jelly Roll, understanding the man is key to appreciating his dedication as a father. His journey is one of the most compelling narratives in modern music.

• Real Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Born: December 4, 1984
• Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee
• Age (as of December 2025): 41 years old
• Spouse: Bunnie Xo (married 2016)
• Children: Bailee Ann DeFord (Daughter) and Noah Buddy DeFord (Son)
• Career Highlights: Initially known as a rapper, he transitioned into country rock, achieving massive success with hits like "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor." He received two major nominations at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
• Past Life: DeFord spent time in prison for drug dealing and possession, a period he openly discusses as the catalyst for his current path of sobriety and family focus.

The Two Pillars of Jelly Roll's Life: Bailee Ann DeFord and Noah Buddy DeFord

Jelly Roll is the proud father of two children, each with a unique story and relationship dynamic. The artist has been transparent about the complexities of fatherhood, especially given his past, and credits his kids for giving him a profound sense of purpose.

Bailee Ann DeFord: The Oldest and Her Public Journey

Bailee Ann DeFord is Jelly Roll's oldest child and arguably the most visible member of the family alongside her stepmother, Bunnie Xo. Her life has been closely tied to her father's journey of redemption. Bailee Ann's Profile and Recent Updates * Born: May 22, 2008. * Age (as of December 2025): 17 years old. * Custody: Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie Xo, were granted primary custody of Bailee Ann in 2016, a pivotal moment that solidified their family unit. * Public Life: Bailee Ann is often seen at major industry events, supporting her father. She attended the 2024 Grammy Awards alongside Bunnie Xo when Jelly Roll was nominated. * Recent Appearance: A major highlight for the family was their "Daddy Date Night" at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2024 in July, where Bailee Ann walked the orange carpet with her father and younger brother. * Relationship with Bunnie Xo: Bailee Ann and her stepmother share an incredibly close bond, with Bunnie Xo often referring to Bailee as her daughter. Bunnie Xo has been credited by Jelly Roll for changing everything for Bailee Ann and him.

Noah Buddy: A Private Life and Respect for His Mother, Melisa

Jelly Roll's son, Noah Buddy DeFord, is kept out of the public eye much more than his older sister, a deliberate choice made out of respect for his birth mother's privacy. Noah Buddy's Profile and Privacy * Born: August 23, 2016. * Age (as of December 2025): 9 years old. * Mother: His mother is named Melisa, and Jelly Roll has made a conscious effort to respect her privacy and wishes regarding Noah's public exposure. * Custody: Melisa is the custodial parent, meaning Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo share parenting time, maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with Noah's mother. * Rare Outings: Despite the desire for privacy, Noah made a rare, high-profile public appearance with his father and sister at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2024. * Parenting Philosophy: Jelly Roll has shared rare details about Noah, including giving his son's football team a memorable pep talk, emphasizing the importance of fun and sticking together. The singer has stated that while he is the full-time parent for Bailee, he respects the arrangement for Noah.

The Blended Family Dynamic: Bunnie Xo's Role and Future Plans

The cohesiveness of Jelly Roll's family is largely attributed to the loving and open dynamic between him, his wife Bunnie Xo, Bailee Ann, and Noah Buddy. The family's transparency about their unconventional structure has resonated with millions of fans. Bunnie Xo, a successful podcaster and internet personality in her own right, has embraced her role as a stepmother with dedication. She and Jelly Roll tied the knot in 2016 and immediately took on the responsibility of raising his children. Bunnie Xo's relationship with Bailee Ann is especially strong, with the two often appearing together on social media and at events. The couple's parenting philosophy is grounded in honesty and finding a balance between their busy careers and family life. Jelly Roll has publicly shared that one of the secrets to being great parents is to find time to "not be parents," emphasizing the importance of the couple maintaining their own relationship.

The Future of the DeFord Family: Open to Adoption

In a candid update about their family planning, Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll have been open about their desire to expand their family, including their journey to try and conceive. Most recently, Bunnie Xo shared a heartfelt update, revealing that they are completely open to adoption. This commitment to adding a new child, whether biologically or through adoption, further highlights the couple's profound commitment to family and their generous spirit. This openness about their heartfelt baby journey reinforces their image as a modern, loving family unit, continually evolving and growing together. Jelly Roll's story is a testament to the power of change, and his children, Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy, are the living proof of his success. His commitment to them remains the most compelling chapter of his life, a narrative that continues to inspire fans across the globe.

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