Country singer Jelly Roll has debuted a clean-shaven face for the first time in a decade, revealing a striking transformation that highlights his journey of losing over 200 pounds and embracing a healthier lifestyle.
On November 20, 2025, Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, took to Instagram to show off his newly shaved face, joking that he resembles a “Ninja Turtle.” In the video, he shared that this was the first time he had removed his beard in ten years, a change that surprised many of his fans. The emotional underpinning of the decision was revealed as he pointed to his neck, explaining that he originally grew the beard to hide his obesity.
Over the past three years, Jelly Roll has undergone a significant weight loss transformation, shedding more than 200 pounds since publicly recommitting to his fitness in December 2022. He has been open about his struggles, recalling in past interviews that in 2015, he weighed over 500 pounds, to the point where medical scales couldn’t measure it, leading to profound embarrassment. This journey has been documented on social media, with milestones like celebrating 100-pound and 200-pound losses, and even treating himself to a designer wardrobe after reaching his goals.
His wife, Bunnie Xo, has been instrumental in this process, teasing the beard shave in a November 13 social media post where she expressed excitement about seeing his jawline. She noted that after years together, she had never seen him without facial hair, adding a playful element to the revelation. Bunnie, who married Jelly Roll in 2016, has consistently supported him, including during his weight loss and recent Grammy nominations, emphasizing that his heart and soul remain unchanged despite the physical changes.
The timing of the reveal coincides with professional highs, as Jelly Roll received three Grammy nominations for the 2026 awards, including Country Album of the Year. In his Instagram video, he tearfully expressed gratitude, stating, “I don’t want to cry but wow, Country Album of the Year! Win, lose or draw, dude, holy f–k we won.” This dual celebration of personal and professional achievements has resonated deeply with his audience.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with comments praising his new look and congratulating him on his success. One fan wrote, “You look amazing man. Congrats. You deserve everything you have worked so hard for,” while others marveled at how different he appeared without the beard. This support highlights the strong bond Jelly Roll has fostered with his followers through his honest sharing of life’s challenges and triumphs.
Jelly Roll’s transformation is more than cosmetic; it represents a profound personal evolution from a past marked by obesity and related struggles to a present focused on health and self-improvement. He has spoken about wanting to live a “normal life” and engage in activities like skydiving and roller coasters, which were once impossible due to his weight. This shift has inspired many facing similar issues, turning his story into one of hope and resilience.
As he moves forward, Jelly Roll’s new appearance may signal a fresh chapter in his career and personal life. With ongoing projects, including potential new music and public appearances, he continues to be a influential figure in country music. His journey underscores the importance of mental and physical health, and his openness encourages others to pursue their own transformations.
