Jelly Roll Reveals Stunning Transformation After 200-Pound Weight Loss
UPDATE: Jelly Roll has just unveiled a dramatic transformation, shedding his signature beard after losing nearly 200 pounds. The 40-year-old singer, known for his hit “Save Me,” shared this striking change on Instagram, captivating fans with his new look and emotional journey.
During the 2025 ACM Awards, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, opened up about the challenges of his weight loss journey. In a candid moment with Fox News Digital, he described the toughest aspect of his transformation: confronting his relationship with food. Jelly Roll stated, “If you’re really battling obesity, you got to start at the dinner table, man.”
In a heartfelt video, he humorously compared his new appearance to a “ninja turtle,” explaining that his beard had been a way to hide his obesity. “Crazy. One of the reasons I even started growing a beard is I was so obese, it was just easier to cover up what was happening here,” he said. The outpouring of support from fans was immediate, with comments praising his inspiring journey. One fan wrote, “Somebody call Gillette ‘cause Jelly lookin’ SHARP!”
The timing of his transformation coincides with significant career milestones. Jelly Roll received three Grammy nominations ahead of the prestigious ceremony, including nods for Best Contemporary Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance. He expressed profound gratitude for his nominations, stating, “When I made it to my first Grammy, I thought to myself this is the only time I’ll ever be at the Grammys. To be coming back three years later with more nominations than I’ve ever had is just…first of all the gratitude.”
As he reflected on his achievements, Jelly Roll fought back tears, saying, “Win, lose or draw, dude, holy f— we won,” emphasizing the importance of his team in this journey. His emotional connection to the Grammys is clear, as he recalled rehearsing his acceptance speech as a child.
Jelly Roll’s weight-loss journey began in December 2022, and he has been transparent with fans about his progress. In April, he announced at Pat McAfee’s “Big Night AHT” event that he had lost 183 pounds, revealing, “I started at 540 pounds. I’m 357 pounds this morning, baby.” He aims to lose another 100 pounds to achieve a personal goal of skydiving with his wife, Bunnie XO.
As he continues to inspire others on his weight-loss journey, Jelly Roll remains focused on his music career. His candid discussions about the struggles of losing weight and the pressures of fame resonate deeply with fans, making his story not just one of transformation but of hope and determination.
Fans eagerly await his next steps as he embraces this new chapter in his life, both personally and professionally. Jelly Roll’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience and the impact of hard work, and it’s a story that continues to unfold.
