Jelly Roll to Headline Matthew McConaughey's Charity Gala, Casts Wife Bunnie Xo in New Music Video

The country singer will perform at the annual MJ&M Gala in Austin, while also releasing a new video starring his wife.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Country music star Jelly Roll has been announced as the headliner for this year's MJ&M Gala, a charity event organized by actor Matthew McConaughey, football coach Mark Brown, and singer-songwriter Jack Ingram. The gala takes place on April 23 in Austin, Texas, with proceeds going to children's education, health, and wellness charities. In other Jelly Roll news, the singer has released a new music video for his single 'Thorns' that features his wife, Bunnie Xo, as the star.

Why it matters

Jelly Roll's involvement in the MJ&M Gala further solidifies his status as a rising country music star, while his decision to feature his wife in the 'Thorns' video showcases his commitment to his personal relationships. The gala also highlights McConaughey's continued philanthropic efforts in the Austin community.

The details

The MJ&M Gala is an annual fundraising event organized by Matthew McConaughey, Mark Brown, and Jack Ingram. This year's gala will take place on April 23 at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, with Jelly Roll serving as the headlining performer. Tickets for the event go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. CT via AXS.com. In addition to his gala performance, Jelly Roll has also released a new music video for his single 'Thorns' that features his wife, Bunnie Xo, as the star.

  • Jelly Roll's performance at the MJ&M Gala is scheduled for April 23, 2026.
  • Jelly Roll released the music video for 'Thorns' on International Women's Day, March 8, 2026.

The players

Jelly Roll

A country music singer and songwriter who has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 MJ&M Gala in Austin, Texas.

Matthew McConaughey

An actor and co-founder of the MJ&M Gala, a charity event that raises funds for children's education, health, and wellness organizations.

Mark Brown

A legendary Texas Longhorns football coach and co-founder of the MJ&M Gala.

Jack Ingram

A singer-songwriter and co-founder of the MJ&M Gala.

Bunnie Xo

Jelly Roll's wife, who stars in the music video for his single 'Thorns.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To my beautiful, intelligent, compassionate, graceful wife, and newly New York Times best selling author, I'll never be able to thank you enough for making me complete. You truly saved my life.”

— Jelly Roll (Instagram)

“They say behind every good man is a great woman, and I know thats damn true for me y'all.”

— Jelly Roll (Instagram)

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 MJ&M Gala featuring Jelly Roll will go on sale on Friday, March 13 at 10 a.m. CT via AXS.com.

The takeaway

Jelly Roll's involvement in the MJ&M Gala and the release of his new music video featuring his wife Bunnie Xo demonstrate his growing stature in the country music world and his commitment to his personal relationships, while also highlighting Matthew McConaughey's continued philanthropic efforts in the Austin community.