Country music star Jelly Roll’s remarkable weight loss journey has had a profound effect on his personal life, especially his role as a father.
The 41‑year‑old singer, known offstage as Jason DeFord, has shed around 300 pounds over the last several years. The transformation has not only improved his health but also his family life, he says. Speaking at the Netflix “Star Search” premiere, where he joins the judging panel, Jelly Roll shared that his newfound energy has allowed him to be “more present” with his children than ever before.
At his heaviest, Jelly Roll struggled to participate in physical activities. Now he’s coaching his young son’s basketball team and keeping up with both his children in ways he never could before, a change he describes as life‑altering.
The journey has also deepened his spiritual life. Jelly Roll says his transformation brought him closer to God and prompted a stronger connection with himself. The weight loss has influenced his outlook, relationships, and physical abilities, making him feel like “a whole different human.”
On the professional side, Jelly Roll’s transformation has coincided with new opportunities. His weight loss helped him earn recognition such as a Men’s Health cover, and he now channels his renewed vigor into mentoring rising talent on national television.