NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a major step toward redemption and international freedom, the Tennessee Board of Parole has unanimously recommended a pardon for Grammy-nominated country artist Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord. The clemency recommendation now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for final approval.
The decision follows a nearly two-hour hearing held on April 22, 2025, during which advocates — including Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall — testified in favor of pardoning the artist. Sheriff Hall praised Jelly Roll’s transformation from a troubled youth into a nationally celebrated musician and a positive force in his community.
“I’ve watched Jason use his platform to uplift others, especially those struggling with addiction and incarceration,” Hall told the board. “This is what rehabilitation and second chances are all about.”
Jelly Roll’s criminal record includes more than 40 arrests, mostly tied to drug-related offenses starting when he was just 14. At 17, he was convicted of aggravated robbery, and at 23, he faced additional drug charges — convictions that have long complicated his ability to travel internationally and limited certain professional opportunities.
During the hearing, Jelly Roll expressed deep gratitude and hope. “This was incredible,” he said. “I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless. It was a moment I never thought I’d get to see.”
The singer has never hidden his troubled past. Instead, he has embraced it as part of his story, using his success to inspire others. He frequently visits juvenile detention centers and addiction recovery programs, offering both financial support and a message of transformation.
“I’m not asking for a pass,” he said during the hearing. “I’m asking for a chance to keep giving back.”
Governor Lee, who has granted over 90 pardons since taking office in 2021, now has the final say. His office has stated the clemency review process is thorough and considers public safety, rehabilitation, and community support.
If approved, the pardon would not expunge Jelly Roll’s record but would restore certain civil rights and remove barriers to international travel — a vital step for the artist as he continues his rise on the global music stage.
The recommendation serves as a powerful symbol of change, redemption, and the belief that no one is beyond the reach of a second chance.
