Country music star Jelly Roll has received a unanimous recommendation for a pardon from the Tennessee Board of Parole, leaving Governor Bill Lee with the final decision. The 40-year-old musician, born Jason DeFord, hopes to be able to travel internationally to share his message of redemption through music and faith.
Jelly Roll’s criminal record includes robbery at age 17 and drug charges at 23. He was sentenced to serve a year in prison and eight years of court-ordered supervision. The board recommended the pardon after a hearing that lasted about an hour and 45 minutes, with several witnesses advocating for Jelly Roll’s release.
The rapper-turned-country singer has won multiple awards, including CMT Awards, a CMA Award, and four Grammy nominations. He has used his platform to visit jails and rehabilitation centers before performing concerts, feeding the homeless, and playing basketball with kids at a youth center.
Jelly Roll expressed gratitude for the board’s decision, saying it would allow him to take his message of redemption worldwide through music and faith. The pardon would also enable him to pursue missionary work in his 50s and 60s. Governor Lee stated that every clemency case is equally important and undergoes a thorough process.
The parole board considered Jelly Roll’s application since October 2024, marking at least five years since his sentence expired. Jelly Roll’s pardon recommendation paves the way for him to travel internationally and share his story with more people.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/jelly-roll-pardon-nashville-tennessee-9f3f76fc1692b874d0c9df6b0941ae61