Jelly Roll’s Wife, Bunnie XO, Teases New Love Song Off His Upcoming Debut Country Album
“I was bulletproof but baby lovin’ you / could kill a man,” Jelly Roll sings.
Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll; Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for CMT
Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie DeFord (aka Bunnie XO), recently took to social media to give fans a sneak peek of an unreleased song that’s slated to appear on the thriving country singer’s new album, WHITSITT CHAPEL, out June 2.
Bunnie revealed that the new tune was written for her and inspired by their love story. Using the song as the soundtrack to her recent post, Bunnie compiled a video of some highlights from their life together including date nights on the beach, attending award shows, and more heartfelt behind-the-scenes moments.
First Listen
The heartfelt song finds Jelly Roll exploring his deepest emotions through his soaring vocals as he sings, “Somethin’ ‘bout you has always been dangerous / I should run but here I stand / You’re the one thing heaven can’t save me from / And I’m far past my last chance / I was bulletproof but baby lovin’ you / could kill a man.”
Love Story Began In 2016
The pair first met in 2016 on the same street in Las Vegas where Jelly Roll returned to in October of 2022 for a performance as part of Fremont Street Experience’s free concert series.
Following his performance, Jelly Roll posted a series of sentimental photos that captured the couple’s joy as they found themselves back in this momentous spot.
“I’ll never forget that night on Fremont street that I met you standing by the bar at what was then called the “LVCS”(las Vegas country saloon),” he began in his Instagram caption. “7 years later to stand on that same street right after we played one of the biggest shows they’ve had on Fremont Street is a feeling I’ll never forget.”
“I would end up marrying you in the same city we met, your hometown, Las Vegas. I remember vividly where we were in our lives back then. Both coming out of toxic relationships. Both struggling to find our way in life. I always knew when we can back to Vegas it would be the homecoming you always deserved and the one I’ve always dreamed of… thank you Vegas, we will cherish this one forever. May the next one be even bigger and crazier,” he said in conclusion.
Bunnie then shared a passionate response to her husband’s loving words in the comment section.
She wrote, “I just love YOU!! I knew you were so special then & now sharing you w the world makes my heart explode w/ so much love & pride. I can’t wait to see where the next 7 years takes us baby! Thank you for betting on me.. I’ve forever told you the house always wins & that’s all we’ve done since we met. Sincerely, your ace in the hole.”
The Couple Will Soon Celebrate Seven Years Of Marriage
On August 31, 2023, Jelly Roll and Bunnie will celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary. In addition to all the support she’s offered to his career, Jelly Roll has always credited Bunnie for being a dedicated bonus mom to his daughter, Bailee.
“Thank you for raising Bailee as is she was your own. Thank you for standing by me when the monsters attacked and fighting the demons with me. Thank you ram love. Thank you for smile and constantly being that same silly woman I fall in love with everyday. Thank you for stopping to dance with me any time any day anywhere. HAPPY Anniversary Beautifulm” he wrote in commemoration of their sixth wedding anniversary.
The couple recently made their first CMT Music Awards red carpet appearance together. This turned out to be a monumental night for Jelly Roll as he walked away with three CMT Music Awards, including Male Video of the Year, Male Breakthrough Video of the Year, and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year.
He also took the stage to showcase his current single, “NEED A FAVOR,” during his first-ever CMT performance. “NEED A FAVOR” will appear among the 13 tracks on Jelly Roll’s upcoming album along with fan-favorite tune “Save Me,” “SHE,” and a collaboration with Brantley Gilbert and Struggle Jennings.
The highly-anticipated project is named after the church the Antioch native grew up attending and serves as his debut full-length country record via BMG/Stoney Creek Records.
“This album is about growth and gratitude happening in my life. I wanted to create a project that felt hopeful. I believe the worst feeling a person can have is feeling hopeless or worthless. This is therapeutic music. Real music for real people with real problems,” Jelly Roll shared in a statement.
2023 Tour
Jelly Roll will soon bring his new music on the road as he embarks on a 44-date Backroad Baptism Tour with special guests Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia, and Yelawolf appearing on select dates.
“The Backroad Baptism Tour is a big one for me, y’all! I’m bringing my friends out on the road this summer, and I can’t wait to see every one of you mutherf***ers at a show,” Jelly Roll previously shared.
This run will launch Friday, July 28 at Bank Plus Amphitheater in Southhaven, Mississippi and continue through Saturday, October 14, where the trek will wrap up in Tampa, Florida at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre.
In the midst of his headlining tour, Jelly Roll will also serve as support on several dates of Eric Church’s The Outsiders Revival Tour. Additionally, he’s expected to perform at several upcoming festivals this year, including Tailgate N’ Tallboys Bloomington, Tailgate N’ Tallboys Clinton, TidalWave Music Festival, and more.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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