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Jelly Roll Says He Could Leave Country Music If God Calls Him Elsewhere
ReJelly Roll Says He Could Leave Country Music If God Calls Him Elsewhere
In a newly published interview recorded at the Grand Ole Opry, Jelly Roll said he has accomplished everything he wanted in music and may step away if he believes God is directing him to a different purpose.
Jelly Roll says he is not ruling out walking away from country music entirely. In a previously recorded interview with «Y’all Access Radio’s» Kelly Sutton, conducted backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in March and published on Sept. 13, the Grammy-winning singer said he has accomplished everything he set out to do in the music business and now needs to determine whether music remains his calling.
«Everything that Jason or Jelly Roll wanted to do in the music business, I’ve done now, so at this point, I really need to go talk to God and see if he wants me to stick around, or what he wants me to do next,» said Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord. He added that if he felt directed to work at a homeless shelter in Paducah, Kentucky, he would leave the industry behind. «Y’all will never see me again, and I’ll be working at a… he gave me everything I ever wanted, man — Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry, like God has done it.»
The Nashville star has checked off virtually every major career goal, rising from a troubled past to become one of country music’s biggest names with hits including «Son of a Sinner» and «Need a Favor.» He said he is now trying to figure out whether music is still where he is supposed to be. «I just got to go do a little bit of work on myself to make sure that I’m all the way ready,» he said. «I’m completely sober, though. I’m clear-headed, and I’m deep in therapy, I’m deep in my Bible, but I think that I got to separate from the chaos of the business for me to really hear what God wants to do for me next.»
The comments follow an eventful year for the country star, including changes in his personal life and major career milestones. Jelly Roll filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo on May 18, listing May 9 as their date of separation. The pair met in 2015 and married in Las Vegas in August 2016. After nearly a decade of marriage, their divorce was finalized in July.
In February, Jelly Roll took home three Grammys, winning best contemporary country album for «Beautifully Broken,» best country duo/group performance for «Amen» with Shaboozey and best contemporary Christian music performance/song for «Hard Fought Hallelujah» with Brandon Lake. He was also honored with the Country Radio Broadcasters’ 2026 Artist Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work and advocacy.
Jelly Roll also drew political backlash this summer after guest-hosting «Jimmy Kimmel Live!» and taking aim at President Donald Trump’s weight, physical fitness and approval ratings. «Well, Mr. President, from one fat pig to another, take it from me that physical fitness is very important. And trust me, you’ll be happy to see your p---- again,» he joked. The singer later pushed back on suggestions that he had suddenly become a liberal voice. «Sure, I lean left on some things,» he said. «But like most folks, I’m pretty down the middle. I am a Christian. I am a country music singer. I’m a farmer. I’m a bow hunter.»
For now, Jelly Roll said he remains focused on personal growth and spiritual clarity. His remarks suggest that while he has reached the pinnacle of country music, he is open to a future that may not include the spotlight at all.
