On April 22, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended a pardon for Jelly Roll, the final decision belongs to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

A Tennessee parole board recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll this week. Following a clemency hearing for the singer -- whose real name is Jason DeFord -- in Nashville on Tuesday, the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended that his criminal record, including a past conviction of robbery, be cleared.

Starting at 14 years old, Jelly Roll spent a decade in and out of jail for drug possession, dealing, shoplifting and aggravated robbery. Now, he wants to be a role model for others looking for a second chance.