Tennessee Governor Pardons Ex-Con Turned Music Star Jelly Roll

Two men from different backgrounds find redemption through faith and second chances.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Grammy-winning musician Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, have taken very different paths in life, but their stories of redemption and faith are intertwined. Lee, a successful businessman who became governor after the tragic death of his wife, and DeFord, an ex-con who found fame and success in music, both credit their relationship with God for transforming their lives. In a powerful speech, Lee revealed how he pardoned DeFord, recognizing the power of second chances and the healing that can come through a relationship with Jesus.

Why it matters

The stories of Lee and DeFord highlight the transformative power of faith and the importance of providing opportunities for redemption, even for those who have made mistakes. Their journeys demonstrate how individuals can overcome adversity and find purpose, challenging preconceptions about who deserves a second chance.

The details

Bill Lee, a seventh-generation Tennessean, became governor of the state in 2019 after the tragic death of his wife. Meanwhile, Jason DeFord, known professionally as Jelly Roll, grew up in a troubled home in Antioch, Tennessee, and spent years in and out of prison before finding success as a Grammy-winning musician. Despite their different backgrounds, the two men's paths crossed in 2008 when Lee shared his personal testimony with inmates at a local prison. Years later, Lee would go on to pardon DeFord, recognizing the transformation in his life.

  • In July 2000, Lee's wife tragically died in a horse-riding accident.
  • In 2008, Lee shared his personal testimony with inmates, including DeFord, at a local prison.
  • In December 2025, Lee pardoned DeFord, who had become a Grammy-winning music superstar.

The players

Bill Lee

The seventh-generation Tennessean who became the governor of Tennessee in 2019 after the tragic death of his wife.

Jason DeFord (Jelly Roll)

A Grammy-winning musician who grew up in a troubled home in Antioch, Tennessee, and spent years in and out of prison before finding success in the music industry.

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What they’re saying

“In 2008, you were not the governor, and I was not Jelly Roll," DeFord told Lee when the two met in the governor's office after the pardon. "And here we are, 17 years later.”

— Jason DeFord (Jelly Roll) (Newsweek)

“Jesus is for everybody," he declared. "Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by any music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with Him. I love you, Lord.”

— Jason DeFord (Jelly Roll) (Newsweek)

What’s next

The judge in DeFord's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to remain free on pardon.

The takeaway

The stories of Lee and DeFord demonstrate the transformative power of faith and the importance of providing second chances, even for those who have made mistakes. Their journeys challenge preconceptions about who deserves redemption and highlight the healing that can come through a relationship with God.