Jelly Roll Receives Full Pardon from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for Drug, Robbery Convictions
Country music star and former rapper Jelly Roll was granted a full pardon by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, officially clearing him of robbery and drug convictions stemming from his troubled youth. The artist, whose real name is Jason DeFord, embraced the governor in an emotional moment following the announcement — a gesture that symbolized a full-circle moment in his remarkable personal journey.
The pardon comes more than 15 years after Jelly Roll’s convictions for drug-related offenses and robbery, which led to his incarceration. It was behind bars that DeFord discovered his passion for music — a transformation that would ultimately change the trajectory of his life. Rising from addiction and crime to mainstream stardom, Jelly Roll has since become a vocal advocate for second chances, particularly within the criminal justice and addiction recovery spaces.
His rehabilitation story is more than personal. In recent years, Jelly Roll has returned to correctional facilities to speak directly with inmates, urging them to pursue reform. He has also testified before the U.S. Senate about the devastating impact of fentanyl on American communities. As he shared on The Joe Rogan Experience, the pardon represents not just legal redemption, but a spiritual and emotional rebirth — one rooted in faith, discipline, and purpose.
“I’m on my first hunt pretty much,” he told Rogan, reflecting on how his felony status had long prevented him from owning or even being near a firearm. But with the pardon now in place, Jelly Roll says he hopes to push for legislation that restores civil rights — particularly the right to hunt — to reformed individuals. “There should be some path to redemption,” he said. “Even if it takes 30 years.”
The pardon comes more than 15 years after Jelly Roll’s convictions for drug-related offenses and robbery, which led to his incarceration. It was behind bars that DeFord discovered his passion for music — a transformation that would ultimately change the trajectory of his life. Rising from addiction and crime to mainstream stardom, Jelly Roll has since become a vocal advocate for second chances, particularly within the criminal justice and addiction recovery spaces.
His rehabilitation story is more than personal. In recent years, Jelly Roll has returned to correctional facilities to speak directly with inmates, urging them to pursue reform. He has also testified before the U.S. Senate about the devastating impact of fentanyl on American communities. As he shared on The Joe Rogan Experience, the pardon represents not just legal redemption, but a spiritual and emotional rebirth — one rooted in faith, discipline, and purpose.
“I’m on my first hunt pretty much,” he told Rogan, reflecting on how his felony status had long prevented him from owning or even being near a firearm. But with the pardon now in place, Jelly Roll says he hopes to push for legislation that restores civil rights — particularly the right to hunt — to reformed individuals. “There should be some path to redemption,” he said. “Even if it takes 30 years.”
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