The musician and his wife recently shared some heartfelt news: they are planning to grow their family through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, both cherished by fans, are opening up about a significant new chapter in their lives. On Tuesday, June 4th, the 39-year-old singer and rapper shared during an episode of the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast that he has committed to a healthier lifestyle, having lost over 60 pounds to ensure he can be there for his existing and future children.
“My wife and I are talking about having a baby, and it made me realize that at almost 40, I’ve got to live to at least 60, to see this kid into college,” Jelly Roll explained emotionally. Notably, Jelly Roll is already a father to two children from previous relationships: daughter Bailee Ann, 16, and son Noah Buddy, 7½.
The couple’s decision marks a significant moment in their journey together. Bunnie XO took to Instagram to expand on their big news, revealing their choice to pursue IVF. She noted that while they originally planned to keep it private, they decided to share their story because they have always lived openly.
Bunnie’s heartfelt caption read, “God willing- Baby DeFord 2026 💫 @bussinwtb.” The couple’s openness about their IVF journey aims to provide support and connection to others going through similar experiences.
For those unfamiliar, IVF is a medical procedure where mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. After a few days of development, the embryos are then implanted into the uterus in hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Jelly Roll has been highly focused on his fitness, recently achieving a notable milestone by participating in his first 5K race in May. In April he expressed pride in his physical progress, sharing that he has taken up regular exercise and healthy eating habits.
“I’ve been really kicking ass, man. I’m doing two to three miles a day, four to six days a week,” he said enthusiastically. “I’m doing 20 to 30 minutes in the sauna and six minutes in a cold plunge every day. I’m eating healthy right now.”
Beyond their plans for a new addition, Bunnie XO’s role as a stepmother has been nothing short of loving. Although not the biological mother of Jelly Roll’s children, she has embraced them wholeheartedly. In 2017, the couple received full custody of Bailee due to her mother’s challenges with addiction. Bailee has since shared publicly about rebuilding her relationship with her biological mom.
In a tender moment, fans got a glimpse of Bunnie’s bond with Noah through a sweet TikTok video they made together for his seventh birthday. Noah, brimming with joy, introduced himself and shared that his favorite color is red.
Jelly Roll, ever grateful, paid an emotional tribute to Bunnie on Mother’s Day in 2020, acknowledging her exceptional love and devotion. “It takes a special kind of woman to raise a kid that isn’t her child and still treat the child as if she was,” he wrote with pride.
