News of Jelly Roll and Bunny XO‘s divorce has left many fans stunned, especially given how openly the couple shared their journey through addiction, personal struggles and eventual success.
While the split has sparked widespread speculation, new details suggest the decision was not driven by betrayal or hostility.
Instead, those closest to the former couple say their lives have simply developed in different directions over time.
In the days following the confirmation that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce, a source offered insight into the country star’s thinking and why he ultimately decided to end the marriage.
According to the insider, the singer still cares deeply for Bunnie XO despite their separation.
“The reality is he will always love her, but that doesn’t mean he wants to stay married,” the source shared. PEOPLE.
The insider explained that the man Bunnie met years ago is not the same person he is today.
“He’s in a very different place than he was when they met,” the source said of Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord.
The source added that the artist has reached a stage in life that once seemed out of reach.
“For the first time, he feels healthy, focused and in control of his future,” they shared.
Bunnie XO remains a big part of his history
Although the marriage is coming to an end, those close to the situation insist there is still deep appreciation between the pair.
The source emphasized the role Bunnie XO played in some of the most difficult years of Jelly Roll’s life and career.
They said: “She believed in him when not many people did and helped him through some very difficult years. He knows he would not be where he is today without her and he will never forget that.”
Their relationship began in 2015, long before both became household names. At the time, both were dealing with personal challenges and trying to build better futures for themselves.
Another insider noted that support flowed both ways throughout the relationship.
“Jelly has been there for Bunnie through a lot too,” the insider said. “He has supported her over and over over the years, through the ups and downs.”
Jelly Roll addresses rumors during concert
As speculation spread online, Jelly Roll decided to address the divorce head-on during a stop on his Little ASS Shed Tour in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Speaking to a packed crowd, he pushed back the rumors online.
“While we’re talking about liars, the Internet is a liar too,” he concertgoers told. “This is the only time and the only town I’m going to talk about this, so break out your camera phones now.”
The singer made it so clear that his feelings for Bunnie had not gone away.
He stated, “Me and my wife are best friends, we will always be best friends. I will love her. She will probably be the only woman I will ever love the way I loved her.”
Jelly Roll also addressed one of the biggest assumptions surrounding the split.
He clarified that “no one cheated on anyone” before adding that Bunnie “will be my best friend forever. Bunnie, I love you baby.”
His remarks reinforced the message that the divorce was not the result of a scandal, but rather a decision made between two people who still respect each other.
Bunnie XO shares his side of the split
Shortly before Jelly Roll’s concert comments, Bunnie XO spoke candidly about the divorce on his podcast.
The podcast host revealed that the legal process was expected to be completed quickly and explained that some of their plans for the future remain unchanged.
“We still have a baby together,” Bunnie said.
She also challenged assumptions that the separation involved dishonesty or anger.
“Like, this is not what you think it is. Nobody cheated on the other person. It’s literally just that we served our purpose for each other,” she explained.
Bunnie described the couple as an “unconventional couple” and said they intend to continue being parents and maintain their friendship going forward.
Her comments closely mirrored Jelly Roll’s own description of their relationship, suggesting that both remain committed to maintaining a positive connection even as they end their marriage.
A relationship built through hard times
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO married in 2016 after meeting during a difficult time in both their lives.
Their relationship endured setbacks, including a temporary separation in 2018 after the singer had an affair. Despite this challenge, they reconciled and renewed their vows in 2023.
Earlier this year, while promoting her memoir “Stripped Down,” Bunnie reflected on how much they had grown together.
“His soul is so golden and pure,” she shared PEOPLE.
She also acknowledged that both brought significant baggage into the relationship.
“Yeah, we were both a-holes when we first got together, but we’ve evolved together… (When we met) he was coming off drugs. I was coming out of a domestic violence relationship. I had so much baggage, so much toxicity; he’d never been in a real relationship. We had to learn together,” she revealed.
While their marriage may be coming to an end, both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO seem determined to honor the years they spent building a life together.
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