Jelly Roll Admits Reading Wife Bunnie Xo's Memoir Was 'Rough'

The singer discussed his emotional reaction to his wife's new tell-all book, which explores their 'free, not open' relationship and overcoming challenges.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 7:31am

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Jelly Roll, the 41-year-old Grammy-winning singer, opened up about the difficulty of reading his wife Bunnie Xo's new memoir 'Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic'. The memoir explores the couple's relationship, including Jelly Roll's past affair, and Bunnie's personal story of trauma and resilience. Despite the emotional toll, Jelly Roll praised his wife for bravely sharing her story with the world.

Why it matters

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo's relationship has been marked by both challenges and growth, which they have chosen to share publicly. The memoir provides a raw and unfiltered look into their marriage, shedding light on how they have navigated difficult issues like infidelity and trauma, while also highlighting the strength of their bond.

The details

In the memoir, Bunnie Xo opens up about her and Jelly Roll's unconventional approach to monogamy, describing their relationship as 'free, not open'. She also discusses the difficult period when Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, admitted to a 10-month affair. Despite the pain, the couple has remained committed to their marriage and are now planning to grow their family through IVF with a surrogate.

  • Bunnie Xo's memoir 'Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic' was released on February 10, 2026.
  • Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo were married in 2016 after meeting the previous year.

The players

Jelly Roll

A 41-year-old Grammy-winning singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord.

Bunnie Xo

Jelly Roll's wife, who has written a new memoir titled 'Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic'.

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What they’re saying

“It was rough at times just for me to read it. You know what I mean? We went through a lot of pain and having to go through it together, but reading the whole book and seeing where it ended at is really touching.”

— Jelly Roll

“I'm just proud of her for telling her story so unapologetically. I mean, she talks about everything fearlessly, from domestic assault to sexual assault. I'm just proud of her. She's so brave.”

— Jelly Roll

What’s next

The couple is currently planning to grow their family through IVF with a surrogate.

The takeaway

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo's relationship has weathered significant challenges, but their commitment to communication, growth, and honesty has allowed them to emerge stronger. Their story serves as an example of how even the most difficult experiences can be overcome through love and perseverance.