Jelly Roll pardoned at last by Gov. Lee, marking new chapter in artist's advocacy outreach
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 7: In this image released on October 10, 2025, Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll perform on stage at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards at Bridgestone Arena on October 7, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has granted a pardon to Grammy-nominated country music star Jelly Roll, formally closing a chapter on the Nashville native’s criminal past as part of a broader clemency action involving 33 individuals.
Jelly Roll, whose legal name is Jason DeFord, was among those receiving executive clemency announced Dec. 18 by the governor’s office. The pardon follows a recommendation from the Tennessee Board of Parole earlier this year after a lengthy public hearing that highlighted the artist’s rehabilitation and advocacy work.
The decision marks a milestone for the rapper-turned-country singer, who has spoken openly about his past convictions and his efforts to use his platform to support people struggling with addiction and incarceration. Jelly Roll has cited the pardon as critical to expanding his work abroad, including touring and future faith-based and rehabilitation outreach.
The 40-year-old artist broke through in country music with his 2023 album Whitsitt Chapel and hits such as “Need a Favor.” His music often centers on redemption, accountability, and recovery, themes drawn from his own experiences in the criminal justice system.
He has since won multiple CMT Awards, a CMA Award, and earned several Grammy nominations.
Jelly Roll’s criminal history includes a robbery conviction as a teenager and drug-related charges in his early 20s, as well as misdemeanor offenses. He completed his sentences years ago and has remained eligible for a pardon under Tennessee law, which requires applicants to be at least five years removed from the completion of their sentence.
The Board of Parole heard testimony from several witnesses in support of Jelly Roll’s application, including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, who praised his consistent involvement in jail outreach programs and community service. Following the board’s recommendation, Lee’s office reiterated that clemency decisions are made through a deliberate, comprehensive process and are typically finalized in December.
Along with Jelly Roll, Lee issued pardons to 32 other individuals. No exonerations or commutations were granted in this round of executive clemency. The list includes:
- Janet Babb
- Shawn Baker
- Shawn Boss
- Thomas Braly
- Monty Burks
- Grant Burnside
- Jason DeFord
- Lanisha Edmond
- Andy Giron-Freay
- Melissa Halpin
- Edward Hayes
- Willie Horton
- Jeffrey Jackson
- Joshua Jarvis
- Nathan Jones
- Jeffrey Kimbel
- Jeffrey Kottler
- Kristy Locklear
- Robert McEwen
- Temeka Nixon
- William Reed
- Alan Roberts
- Hector Ruiz
- Angela Sellers
- Clark Shepherd
- Erika Smith
- Jessica Stanley
- Matthew Wade
- Anthony Walton
- Kennda Watkins
- Clay Watkins
- Steven Welch
- Tenisha Woods
A pardon in Tennessee is an official statement of forgiveness by the state and does not erase a conviction, but can restore certain rights and ease travel restrictions, a key factor cited in Jelly Roll’s application.
