NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Board of Parole has put forth a recommendation for a pardon for Jelly Roll, a celebrated artist from Nashville with a past marked by imprisonment. Jelly Roll, who has openly discussed his criminal background and the process of overcoming those challenges, is awaiting a decision from Governor Bill Lee on the potential pardon. The musician, whose real name is Jason DeFord, hopes to pave the way for international performances and continue sharing his journey of transformation and redemption.
During the parole board meeting, which took nearly two hours and included testimonies from several witnesses such as Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, members unanimously supported the pardon recommendation, with one member abstaining from the vote. The 40-year-old Jelly Roll’s entry into country music was bolstered by his 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” and his successful crossover tracks like “Need a Favor,” leading him to win accolades like CMT and CMA Awards, along with receiving four Grammy nominations for new artist of the year.
Reflecting on the board’s decision, Jelly Roll expressed his gratitude, stating, “This was incredible. I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.” He has past convictions that include a robbery at age 17 — where he was involved, though unarmed — and drug charges in his early twenties. The latter involved a significant eight-year period under court supervision. Additionally, he has misdemeanors for driving without a license and possession-related issues.
Governor Lee emphasized that each clemency petition, including Jelly Roll’s, follows an in-depth process that treats all applications with equal importance. “The developments with Jelly Roll are encouraging, although there are more steps remaining,” he remarked.
During the parole board discussion, Jelly Roll recounted how his passion for songwriting developed while in detention, noting that it started as a therapeutic endeavor which ultimately transformed his life, opening doors he never imagined. Nowadays, he is known for visiting correctional facilities and community centers to help and inspire others. His efforts extend beyond music, as he frequently supports charitable activities without seeking media coverage.
Endorsements for Jelly Roll’s pardon have come from a variety of sources, including friends and community leaders who have witnessed his transformation. Sheriff Hall wrote about Jelly Roll’s pivotal awakening during his time in jail, and Live Nation Entertainment’s CEO Michael Rapino highlighted the artist’s charitable contributions stemming from his performances.
Jelly Roll asserted that one major motivation for his request is the ability to perform in Canada, made difficult due to his past records, as international travel currently involves applying for special permits that entail prolonged waiting periods. He also expressed his desire to spread his message of redemption worldwide. “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,” he told the board.
Moreover, Jelly Roll envisions his pardon as a means to further engage in missionary work well into his future, affirming, “I’ll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s.” He explained that traveling with his current records requires extensive legal efforts and documentation for entry into foreign countries.
The process for Jelly Roll’s pardon began in October 2024, reaching the necessary five-year mark since the completion of his sentence. Since taking office in 2019, Governor Lee has issued over 90 pardons, with the bulk being granted from 2021 onwards.