Bunnie Xo Confirms Jelly Roll and Her Will Continue to Share a Child Despite Divorce
Bunnie Xo says she and Jelly – Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo’s decade-long union, which lasted 10 years, appears to be dissolving, yet their path toward co-parenting has only just begun. The couple, who were once a central figure in the music and podcasting worlds, are navigating the end of their marriage while maintaining their shared vision for a new chapter. According to a divorce filing reviewed by the USA TODAY Network on June 15, the Grammy-winning country artist, 41, initiated the process of separation on May 9 and officially filed for divorce on May 18. This marks a significant transition for the pair, who have now turned their attention to their joint future as a family.
A Shared Vision Beyond the Relationship
During a June 18 episode of her “Dumb Blonde” podcast, Bunnie Xo, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, revealed that the couple remains committed to their original plan of starting a family through in vitro fertilization. “We’re still having a baby together,” she stated, emphasizing that their partnership will continue as a united front even after their marriage ends. “This isn’t about anything you might imagine. We’re not moving apart; we’re moving forward as a team.”
“So, we have been the most unconventional couple that you guys have ever encountered,” she added. “We’re going to co-parent together. Jason is my best friend. Like, this isn’t what you guys think this is. Nobody cheated on the other person. It’s literally just we served our purpose for each other.”
DeFord expressed gratitude for the way their relationship has evolved, calling their emotional resilience a “biggest gift” they could have given one another. “Being happy and healthy and best friends through this is probably the most meaningful thing we could have done,” she reflected. This sentiment aligns with her earlier comments in an October 2025 episode of the “Human School” podcast, where Jelly Roll acknowledged a past affair as one of the most challenging moments of his adulthood.
“One of the worst moments of my adulthood was when I had an affair on my wife,” Jelly Roll admitted. “We put in a lot of work to repair our relationship. We became stronger than we could have ever been.”
Despite the personal turmoil, both individuals have maintained a sense of unity in their shared goals. Bunnie Xo noted that their bond remains unshaken, even as they address the complexities of their divorce. “He wants the same thing. We’re just going to raise a little nugget as one happy family,” she said, highlighting their dedication to building a life together beyond the confines of marriage.
From Marriage to Co-Parenting: A Journey of Commitment
Having tied the knot in 2016, the couple has been open about their struggles and triumphs throughout the years. Their public journey included moments of infidelity, which fans have long discussed, but both have now framed these experiences as stepping stones rather than setbacks. In her February-published book “Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic,” Bunnie Xo shared that they had already found a surrogate and were hopeful for twins, a detail that underscores their ongoing partnership in family planning.
While their relationship faced challenges, including a cheating scandal that once overshadowed their public image, the couple has since prioritized transparency and mutual growth. “What we built together as a team, the reason we are who we are, is because of our love story,” Bunnie Xo explained, dismissing rumors that their union was merely a strategic arrangement. “There will never be another ‘Jelly and Bunnie’—this is about love, not convenience.”
“I know that my husband is a great artist. I know that he is an entity all on his own; I know I am an entity all on my own,” she said. “But there will never be another ‘Jelly and Bunnie.’ What we built together as a team, the reason we are who we are, is because of our love story.”
Jelly Roll, who recently won a Grammy for best contemporary country album, emotionally dedicated the award to Bunnie during the ceremony. Her reaction—tears and applause—symbolized the deep connection they still share. This moment served as a poignant reminder of the strength of their partnership, even as they move toward legal separation.
Legacy of Love and Shared Dreams
Although they have different backgrounds, the couple has always been a testament to collaboration. Bunnie Xo, a podcaster, and Jelly Roll, a Grammy-winning musician, have shaped their careers around teamwork and authenticity. Their decision to have a child through IVF reflects this philosophy, as they seek to create a new family while maintaining their individual identities.
Jelly Roll’s admission of his affair in 2025’s “Human School” episode reveals a candid side of their journey. “I was hanging around a bunch of people that were cheating on their wives,” he explained, acknowledging the influence of external factors on his actions. However, he credited their reconciliation as a defining moment of personal growth. “I wish our story would’ve gone in the way that it never had an affair, and I’m in a way glad it happened, but man, I’m proud of who we are today,” he said.
“It’s literally built on love. It’s ending with love, and we’re continuing the love because we’re having our little nugget together,” Bunnie Xo added, reinforcing her belief in the enduring nature of their connection.
Bunnie Xo also shared a personal anecdote on TikTok in 2024, revealing that their relationship briefly faced a crisis in 2018. “We finally committed to each other and did everything we promised each other the first night in 2016,” she wrote. “Our castle in the sand had to crumble so we could rebuild on solid ground.” This metaphor captures their journey from a turbulent past to a more stable, intentional future.
As they navigate this new phase, the couple’s children—Bailee Ann, 18, and Noah Buddy, 9—remain central to their shared narrative. Jelly Roll, who has two children from previous relationships, has openly expressed his desire to continue raising a family with Bunnie. Their commitment to co-parenting is a clear indication that their bond, while no longer marital, is still deeply rooted in love and partnership.
Their divorce, while marking the end of a chapter, symbolizes a new beginning. Fans have celebrated their resilience, noting how the couple has transformed their challenges into a story of strength and unity. As Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll move forward, their focus remains on creating a lasting legacy—not just as individuals, but as a team that continues to grow and evolve. Whether through music, podcasting, or family, their journey has shown that love can transcend even the most difficult circumstances.
