Bunnie XO: Jelly Roll Divorce a ‘Blessing,’ Reveals She Wants a Baby
Bunnie XO Opens Up About Life After Divorce: "It’s Been a Blessing"
TL;DR: Podcast host and author Bunnie XO (real name Alisa DeFord) shares how she’s thriving after her split from country star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord). Despite the heartbreak, she calls the divorce "a blessing," reveals they still plan to have a baby together as co-parents, and says she’s having "the time of her life" being single.
The Big News: A Surprising Silver Lining
When country music star Jelly Roll filed for divorce from his wife Bunnie XO on May 18, 2024—just two months before their 10th wedding anniversary—fans were shocked. But in a candid interview on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle (August 20), Bunnie revealed a plot twist nobody expected:
"I never thought it would turn out to be such a blessing, but it’s such a blessing, and I’m so thankful."
Who Is Bunnie XO?
- Real name: Alisa DeFord
- Best known for: Hosting the hit "Dumb Blonde" podcast and being a bestselling author
- Formerly married to: Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord), Grammy-nominated country/rap artist
- Step-mom to: Bailee Ann (18) and Noah Buddy (9)—Jelly Roll’s kids from previous relationships
The Divorce: What Actually Happened?
| Detail | What We Know |
|---|---|
| Who filed? | Jelly Roll |
| Date filed | May 18, 2024 (Williamson County, Tennessee) |
| Reason cited | "Irreconcilable differences" |
| Was it mutual? | No—Bunnie confirmed on her podcast it was "not my choice" |
| Timing | 2 months before their 10th anniversary |
Important: Even though the split wasn’t her idea, Bunnie refuses to play the victim. She’s reframing the narrative entirely.
The Baby Plan: Yes, They’re Still Doing This Together
This is the part that had everyone talking. Bunnie and Jelly Roll still want to have a baby together—and they plan to co-parent the child.
The Backstory:
- 2024: Couple announced they were trying to conceive via IVF (in vitro fertilization)
→ IVF = a medical process where eggs are fertilized outside the body, then implanted - During their marriage: They lost four embryos—a heartbreaking journey Bunnie shared publicly
- Now (post-divorce): Bunnie says a baby is still "one of my newest chapters" and will feature in her next book
Wait—how does this work?
They’re not together romantically, but they’re committed to raising a child as a team. Think of it like a parenting partnership without the marriage.
Bunnie’s New Chapter: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
What She Told Jenna & Sheinelle:
- "I’m having the freaking time of my life."
- "Ladies, they should’ve never let me back out in the streets because I love it here, and I’m never going back."
- Her DMs? "A freakin’ smorgasbord" of men and women—she’s enjoying the attention but taking her time
Her Message to Women:
"We put ourselves aside so much for partners, friends, kids… sometimes you need to be selfish and pour into yourself. No matter how hard the situation, you’re going to get through it, rise up, and be an even better version of yourself."
Key Takeaways (The "Cheat Sheet")
[!IMPORTANT]
5 Things to Remember:
- Divorce ≠ Failure — Bunnie calls hers "a blessing" and a catalyst for growth
- Co-parenting can be creative — You don’t need to be married to raise a child together
- IVF loss is real grief — Losing 4 embryos is a trauma she’s processing publicly
- Self-prioritization isn’t selfish — "Pouring into yourself" helps everyone around you
- Public figures are human too — Behind the headlines: heartbreak, hope, and DMs
Summary
Bunnie XO’s divorce from Jelly Roll wasn’t her choice—but she’s refusing to let it define her. Instead, she’s:
- Embracing single life with humor and confidence
- Moving forward with a shared parenting plan for a future baby
- Turning her journey into content that helps other women
- Proving that "starting over" can actually mean "leveling up"
Her message? You don’t need a partner to be whole. You just need to choose yourself.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are Bunnie and Jelly Roll back together? | No. They’re divorced (filing May 2024) but remain connected through co-parenting plans. |
| How can they have a baby if they’re divorced? | They plan to co-parent—likely using remaining embryos from their IVF journey or pursuing new fertility treatments together as parenting partners. |
| Does Jelly Roll want the baby too? | Yes—he was part of the original IVF journey and the co-parenting plan was discussed on Bunnie’s podcast. |
| What about Jelly Roll’s other kids? | He has Bailee Ann (18) and Noah Buddy (9) from prior relationships. Bunnie has been a stepmom to both. |
| Where can I hear more from Bunnie? | Her podcast "Dumb Blonde" (YouTube/Spotify), her books, and her social media @bunniexo. |
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