Jelly Roll's oldest child is Bailee Ann DeFord, born on May 22, 2008. As of 2026, she is 18 years old. While superficial entertainment blogs throw around vague guesses or hide behind outdated information, the reality of her life, her upbringing, and her relationship with the country music star tells a story of genuine redemption.
When Bailee was born, her father was sitting in a jail cell serving time for drug dealing. That single phone call from a prison guard altered the trajectory of Jason DeFord's life forever. Today, she's an adult carving out her own path while standing firmly by her father's side on red carpets and award show stages.
The Prison Cell Birth That Changed Everything
Jason DeFord wasn't expecting an easy road when he heard the news on May 22, 2008. Felicia Beckwith gave birth to Bailee Ann while Jelly Roll was locked up behind bars. As he recalled in multiple interviews, a prison guard knocked on his cell door mid-afternoon during lockdown and dropped the news.
At first, he felt overwhelmed and irritated, convinced he'd completely ruined his future. But that moment served as a wake-up call. It planted the first seeds of the massive personal transformation that eventually led him away from crime and toward a microphone.
- Birth Date: May 22, 2008
- Mother: Felicia Beckwith
- Fathers's Reaction: Initial shock that transitioned into a powerful motivation to reform his life.
Winning Full Custody and Building a New Family
Bailee didn't immediately live full-time with her father upon his release from prison. In her early years, she stayed with her mother, Felicia, while Jelly Roll toured relentlessly to build a career in music.
By 2016, family dynamics shifted dramatically. Felicia faced severe struggles with addiction following a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Recognizing that young Bailee needed a stable, safe environment, Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, stepped in. They secured full custody of Bailee, bringing her into a household centered on recovery, stability, and unconditional support.
Bunnie XO became a vital maternal figure in Bailee's life. Both Jelly and Bunnie have spoken openly about the hard work it took to blend their family, noting that building trust requires consistency rather than quick fixes.
Artistic Roots and Personal Ambitions
Bailee inherits her father's creative streak, but she channels it in unique ways. At just 10 years old, she penned the emotional song "Tears Could Talk," which Jelly Roll proudly featured on his 2020 album A Beautiful Disaster. The track offered a rare glimpse into her perspective growing up alongside a parent fighting demons of the past.
Despite growing up around the music industry, Bailee isn't necessarily chasing a pop career. She has expressed serious ambitions outside of entertainment, including a goal to attend law school to pursue criminal defense work. Given her unique vantage point on the justice system through her father's early life, that career path makes complete sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jelly Roll's daughter?
Bailee Ann DeFord was born on May 22, 2008. She is 18 years old.
Who is Bailee Ann's biological mother?
Her biological mother is Felicia Beckwith. Jelly Roll and Felicia shared custody challenges early on before Jelly Roll and his wife Bunnie XO obtained full custody in 2016.
Does Jelly Roll have other children?
Yes. Jelly Roll also has a younger son named Noah Buddy DeFord, born on August 23, 2016, whose mother's privacy is strictly protected by the family.
What is Jelly Roll's relationship with Bunnie XO regarding Bailee?
Bunnie XO acts as a primary maternal figure in Bailee's life. The two share an exceptionally close bond, frequently collaborating on social media content and documenting major milestones like proms and family vacations together. You can read more about their family dynamics via Country Now.
