News from Jelly roll And Rabbit XO‘s divorce left many fans stunned, especially considering how openly the couple shared their journey through addiction, personal struggles, and eventual success.
Although the split has sparked much speculation, new details suggest the decision was not motivated by betrayal or hostility.
Instead, those close to the former couple claim their lives simply moved in different directions over time.
Jelly Roll’s life has changed dramatically
In the days since Jelly Roll was confirmed to have filed for divorce, a source has offered insight into the country star’s state of mind and why he ultimately decided to end the marriage.
According to the insider, the singer still cares deeply for Bunnie XO despite their split.
“The reality is he will always love her, but that doesn’t mean he wants to stay married,” the source said. PEOPLE.
The insider explained that the man Bunnie met years ago is not the same person she is today.
“He’s in a very different place than where 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 his 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 major part of its history
Although the marriage is coming to an end, those close to the situation insist there is still a deep appreciation between the pair.
The source highlighted the role Bunnie XO played during some of the most difficult years of Jelly Roll’s life and career.
They said: “She believed in him when few people did and helped him through some very difficult years. He knows he wouldn’t be where he is today without her and he will never forget that.”
Their relationship began in 2015, long before either became a household name. At the time, both were facing personal challenges and trying to build a better future for themselves.
Another insider noted that the support went both ways throughout the relationship.
“Jelly has also been there for Bunnie through many trials,” the insider said. “He supported her time and time again over the years, through the ups and downs.”
Jelly Roll responds to rumors during concert
As speculation spread online, Jelly Roll decided to address the divorce directly during a stop on her Little ASS Shed Tour in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Speaking to a large crowd, he denied rumors circulating online.
“Even though we talk about liars, the Internet is also a liar,” he told the audience. “This is the only time and only city I’m going to talk about this, so get your camera phones out now.”
The singer then clarified that his feelings towards Bunnie had not disappeared.
He said: “My wife and I 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 major assumptions surrounding the split.
He clarified that “no one fooled anyone,” before adding that Bunnie “will be my best friend forever. Bunnie, I love you baby.”
His comments reinforced the message that divorce was not the result of a scandal but rather a decision made between two people who still respect each other.
Bunnie XO shares her side of the split
Shortly before the Jelly Roll concert comments, Bunnie XO spoke candidly about divorce on her podcast.
The podcast host revealed that the legal proceedings are expected to be finalized quickly and explained that some of his plans for the future remain unchanged.
“We’re still having a baby together,” Bunnie said.
She also challenged assumptions that the separation involved dishonesty or resentment.
“It’s not what you think. No one cheated on the other person. It’s literally just that we achieved our goal for each other,” she explained.
Bunnie described the couple as an “unconventional couple” and said they intended to continue to co-parent and maintain their friendship in the future.
His comments closely mirrored Jelly Roll’s own description of their relationship, suggesting that the two remain committed to preserving a positive connection despite the end of their marriage.
A relationship built in difficult times
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO got married in 2016 after meeting during a difficult time in their lives.
Their relationship had 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 grew up together.
“His soul is so golden and pure,” she said PEOPLE.
She also acknowledged that the two brought significant baggage into the relationship.
“Granted, we were both assholes when we first met, but we grew together.… [When we met] he was getting into drugs. I was coming out of a domestic violence relationship. I had so much baggage, so much toxicity; he had never had a real relationship. We had to learn together,” she revealed.
Even though their marriage is coming to an end, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO seem determined to honor the years they spent building a life together.
