Bunnie XO's Faith Guided Her Through Life's Darkest Moments

The 'Dumb Blonde' podcast host opens up about her tumultuous past and how her unwavering faith in God helped her overcome addiction and trauma.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:05pm

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Bunnie XO, the wife of singer-songwriter Jelly Roll, recently released a memoir titled 'Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic' in which she lays bare the emotional highs and lows that defined the early years of her relationship. The 46-year-old credits her faith in God as the anchor that pulled her through the darkest chapters of her life, including experiences with domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse.

Why it matters

Bunnie XO's story sheds light on the power of faith and resilience in overcoming life's most challenging obstacles. Her candid account offers hope and inspiration to those who may be struggling with similar issues, highlighting the transformative impact that a strong spiritual foundation can have.

The details

In her memoir, Bunnie XO, whose real name is Alyssa DeFord, describes how her faith guided her through the darkest moments of her life, serving as a source of strength. She recounts experiencing domestic violence in a past relationship and sexual assault, as well as turning to pills, cocaine, and alcohol to escape reality and numb the effects of trauma from her upbringing. Bunnie left home at age 14 and later endured an abusive relationship until meeting Jelly Roll at a 2015 concert in Las Vegas. The couple married in 2016, but Bunnie admits she was a 'coked-up bride' after Jelly Roll had asked her not to use drugs before the wedding.

  • Bunnie XO left home at age 14.
  • Bunnie met Jelly Roll at a concert in Las Vegas in 2015.
  • Bunnie and Jelly Roll married in 2016.

The players

Bunnie XO

The 46-year-old host of the 'Dumb Blonde' podcast and the wife of singer-songwriter Jelly Roll. Her real name is Alyssa DeFord.

Jelly Roll

A singer-songwriter who is married to Bunnie XO.

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What they’re saying

“I'm like a cat. I've had nine lives, and I genuinely feel like God has always had His hand on my life. He has always been there in some way, even when I wasn't worthy of it, and even when I didn't acknowledge Him.”

— Bunnie XO

“My mess became my message and my testimony. I truly feel like leaning on God is the only thing that got me through some of the situations that I put myself in.”

— Bunnie XO

What’s next

Bunnie XO is eager to see what the next chapter holds for her as she continues her journey of faith and personal growth.

The takeaway

Bunnie XO's powerful story demonstrates the transformative impact that unwavering faith can have in overcoming even the darkest of life's challenges. Her candid account offers hope and inspiration to those who may be struggling with similar issues, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.