Jelly Roll Turns His Tennessee Farm Into a Place of Healing and Redemption
From Rock Bottom to Redemption
Before becoming one of country music’s most beloved stars, Jelly Roll — born Jason DeFord in Antioch, Tennessee — lived a life marked by addiction, incarceration, and pain.
He began selling drugs as a teenager and spent nearly a decade in and out of jail. But behind bars, he discovered music — and, with it, a glimmer of hope.
“I started rapping behind bars,” he once told American Songwriter. “Music gave me hope when I didn’t think I’d ever deserve any.”
Fast forward to 2025, and Jelly Roll has become a symbol of redemption and raw honesty. But now, he’s channeling that same spirit into something far beyond music.
Jelly Roll has revealed plans to turn part of his Tennessee farm into a mental health and addiction recovery center called The Field of Grace. In an emotional interview with American Songwriter, he said he wants the land that changed his life to change others too. The center will provide therapy, community support, and creative recovery programs — including a small studio where residents can write and share their stories through music.
The idea came from his own journey. Having battled addiction from age 14, Jelly Roll says the project is less about charity and more about redemption. “You don’t forget the ones who didn’t make it out,” he reflected.
He credits his wife Bunnie XO and his fans for helping him find purpose. Through songs like “Save Me,” he has turned personal struggle into connection, inspiring millions who’ve walked similar paths.
Fans quickly embraced the announcement, calling it his “real legacy.” Jelly Roll insists the effort isn’t for publicity; he is privately funding the project and partnering with counselors and recovery groups.
“If one kid doesn’t pick up a needle because of this,” he said, “every brick is worth it.”
