"We’re right in the middle of the journey" — Jelly Roll shares update on IVF journey with wife Bunnie XO

Rapper and country musician Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, shared an update on his journey to expand his family with wife Bunnie XO. During his conversation with Access Hollywood on the carpet at Thursday's Academy of Country Music Awards 2025, the artist revealed:

"We’re right in the middle of the journey."

The singer was referencing Bunnie, real name Alyssa DeFord, undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatments. She first revealed the news in a TikTok post this March. Elaborating on their journey, Jason told the outlet that they were "still trying" and added:

"For all of our friends out there who have been supporting and praying for us that know the journey we are on, y’all know how hard it is, thanks for praying for us."

"I got to see this kid into college" — Jelly Roll explained he lost weight because he wanted to see his children grow up

Jelly Roll met model-turned-podcast (Dumb Blonde) host Alyssa while on tour in Las Vegas, according to HITC. They soon began dating and tied the knot in March 2016. Alyssa is stepmom to the singer's children from previous relationships—daughter Bailee Ann and son Noah Buddy.

During a June 2024 sit-down on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast, DeFord expressed his desire to expand his family with Bunnie XO. While discussing his focus on health and physical fitness, the Son of a Sinner hitmaker revealed he decided to lose weight because he wanted to see his children grow up. He added:

"My wife and I are talking about having a baby, and it really made me realize that at almost 40, I was like, it means I got to live to at least 60. I got to see this kid into college."

A month later, Alyssa, during an episode of Dumb Blonde (July 2), explained that she and Jelly Roll first began seeing a fertility specialist in 2019. She added that it wasn't until 2024 that they felt mentally and financially ready, reported USA Today. At the time, she suggested opting for IVF but added that they hadn't "solidified their plans" and wouldn't do it until "February 2025."

In a March 2025 TikTok post, Alyssa revealed she and Jelly Roll had started IVF treatments as they navigate the road to parenthood. Sharing an insight into the process, the podcast host noted taking hormone shots, adding:

"I’m going through all of the emotions, the rollercoaster, the worry, just so that I can have a little piece of my husband and me—just a little piece wrapped in skin—to just add to the other two beautiful children that we have together."

In an earlier episode (January 2) of her podcast, Alyssa brought on a psychic medium and revealed she underwent several pregnancy losses in the past. But she explained that she was "ready to be a parent."

She also elaborated on initially being worried, but helping her husband raise Bailee (Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have full custody) since she was seven has shown her that she wasn't going to "f**k up a kid's life too badly."

"But I feel like I've mastered… not mastered, but I feel like I can do this, you know? And I just want a little piece of J and I together."

Jelly Roll was nominated for three awards, including entertainer of the year, male artist of the year, and album of the year at the ACM Awards 2024. He also took the stage during the event to perform his 2024 hit Heart of Stone. Later, Shaboozey joined him to sing a rendition of her latest collab, Amen.