Jelly Roll made a striking appearance at the 2024 CMA Awards, stepping into the spotlight not only as a nominee but also as a testament to his remarkable weight loss journey, having shed over 100 pounds.
The “Son of a Sinner” artist attended the event alongside his wife, Bunnie XO, and his 15-year-old daughter, Bailee Ann, who was experiencing her first CMA celebration. Bunnie expressed excitement about the milestone, stating, “This is her first CMAs.”
In a recent interview, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, divulged insights into his weight loss journey and the significant relationship he has redefined with food. He described his struggle with food addiction, noting, “The battle was with the food addiction, changing the way I’ve looked at food for the last 39 years.” He credited a disciplined commitment that transformed his approach to health.
Jelly Roll attributed a considerable portion of his weight loss – around 60 to 70 pounds – to his “Beautifully Broken” tour, which kicked off in August. He emphasized the importance of fitness in his daily routine, mentioning that he and his crew engage in basketball games to maintain their health.
Reflecting on the change in culture around his tours, he remarked, “It’s cool because there was once a time in life that the culture I built on tour was the opposite. It revolved around alcohol and drugs. And now our tour culture is around good eating and around exercising and doing emotional check-ins with our crew every day.”
His journey, which also included training for a 5K earlier this year, has become a focal point of motivation. His nutrition coach, Ian Larios, confirmed Jelly Roll’s progress, stating, “Jelly’s been crushing it.”
At last year’s CMA Awards, Jelly Roll emphasized that his journey to health was giving him a newfound “will to live,” underscoring the sentiment: “I just want to keep doing the right thing and feeling better. I’m starting to find a will to live, and I want to lean into that.”
This inspiring transformation not only highlights Jelly Roll’s personal achievements but also serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling with similar challenges, reminding us all that change is possible with commitment and support.
Jelly Roll’s story is a celebration of resilience and positivity that can motivate others to seek healthier lifestyles and prioritize their well-being.