Country music star Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has undergone a remarkable physical and personal transformation after shedding an astonishing 300 pounds. This significant weight loss has profoundly impacted his role as a father, allowing him to engage more actively in the lives of his two children.
A New Chapter in Fatherhood
Now weighing 265 pounds, down from a peak estimated at 540 pounds, Jelly Roll finds himself able to participate in activities he once thought impossible. Speaking to Extra at the premiere of Netflix's Star Search, the 41-year-old artist expressed immense pride in now coaching his nine-year-old son Noah's basketball team. 'I'm more present with my children,' he stated. 'You should see it, dude. I mean, I'm coaching my son's basketball team this year.'
He reflected on the limitations of his previous weight, noting, 'When you're 550 pounds, you wonder if they have a seat big enough for you somewhere... You definitely don't think about trying to coach a team. You wonder if there's a bench you can sit on.' This shift represents a dramatic change, enabling him to be a more involved and physically capable parent to Noah and his 17-year-old daughter, Bailee Ann.
From Prisoner to Cover Star
Jelly Roll's journey has not only reshaped his family life but also his entire wellbeing. In an interview with Men's Health magazine, for which he graces the Winter 2026 cover, he described his former self as a 'prisoner' to his own body. 'It was never-ending sadness,' he recalled. 'And anger. I was a prisoner to my own body. Dude, wiping my a** was a problem.'
He elaborated that every aspect of his life was dictated by his size, from basic hygiene to transportation. 'Every decision I made in life had to be based on my weight. If it could hold me, facilitate me, or fit me,' he explained, highlighting the pervasive challenges he faced daily.
The Path to Transformation
The singer began seriously focusing on his health in 2021, adopting a comprehensive approach that addressed both physical and mental aspects. He enlisted the help of professionals, including:
- A chef and sports nutritionist from Ways2Well
- A therapist to tackle his food addiction
His highest weight was an estimate, as scales typically max out at 520 pounds. 'The needle went past 520, but it didn’t blow it down,' Jelly Roll told Men's Health. 'And I would play with it—I would teeter the foot up, like, how low could I get it? So it could have been 560, it could have been 528.'
Tangible Results and Future Aspirations
The physical changes are stark. During a fitting, his stylist reminded him that his waist size has dropped from a 65 to nearly a 42. 'That's crazy,' Jelly Roll remarked. 'That's a whole human.' This transformation fulfills a long-held dream of appearing on the cover of Men's Health, a goal inspired by stories he read in the magazine during a past incarceration for robbery and drug-related offenses.
Married to Bunnie Xo since 2016, Jelly Roll shares his daughter with ex Felicia Beckwith and his son with ex Melisa Ann Cowell. His weight loss has permeated all areas of his life, bringing spiritual growth and a renewed sense of self. 'Everyway. Spiritually. I've gotten closer to God, I've gotten closer to myself, I'm a better father,' he affirmed, celebrating the holistic benefits of his health journey.
