Jelly Roll has reached milestones he once only dreamed of. Now, he says he would be willing to leave it all behind if he felt called to something else.
The Grammy-winning country star, 41, opened up about his future during a backstage interview with Y’all Access Radio’s Kelly Sutton at the Grand Ole Opry, shared Sunday, September 13.
For Jelly, whose real name is Jason DeFord, the next chapter may have less to do with charts and awards and more to do with figuring out where he believes he is needed most.
Would Jelly Roll Really Quit Music?
Photo by Terry Wyatt on Getty Images
Jelly made it clear that his career is no longer driven by a checklist of things he hopes to accomplish. “Everything that Jason or Jelly Roll wanted to do in the music business, I’ve done now, so at this point I really need to go talk to God and see if he wants me to stick around, or what he wants me to do next,” he said.
The Grand Ole Opry member then offered a striking example. “If God tells me to go work at a homeless shelter in Paducah, Ky., I’m outta here,” Jelly said. “Y’all will never see me again.”
Fans reacted immediately to Jelly’s comments, with many urging him not to walk away from music. Fans posted their responses in the comments section of the Facebook video featuring his interview.
One fan wrote, “He wants you to keep performing for the thousands of FANS that love you so much. Don’t quit because you have awards etc…. do it for you but please don’t leave your fans”
Another emotional fan added, “You better not go anywhere young man!!!”
Others focused on Jelly’s faith and whatever path he chooses next. “You can do anything as long as you keep God in your heart. He will direct you what to do for what he wants you to do,” one person wrote.
Another simply shared, “What a humble and sweet human ❤️”
“I have faith in you,Jason!” another fan added.
One more supporter wrote, “I absolutely love this dude!! Ur an awesome mr Jason Jellyroll …. Love ya brother”
What Has Jelly Roll Accomplished in Music?
The “I Am Not Okay” singer began his career as a rapper before moving deeper into country music with his 2021 major-label album, Ballads of the Broken. Since then, songs including “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor,” “Wild Ones” and “I Am Not Okay” have gone multi-platinum. His 2024 album, Beautifully Broken, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
“He gave me everything I ever wanted, man — Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry, like, God has done it,” Jelly said.
Is Jelly Roll Taking a Break From Touring?
His comments come after he told fans this summer that he planned to step away from touring for a while.
“This has truly been a lifetime experience for me,” Jelly said during a Salt Lake City show, as reported by Country Now on August 3. “And in a couple of nights, I go to Colorado Springs and do my last show for a year or two. I’m fixing to take some time off and heal. Thank you for the opportunity.”
His tour ended Wednesday, July 30, in Colorado Springs. Jelly returned to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 29, joining Carly Pearce and other performers for “9 to 5” in honor of Dolly Parton. The appearance came days after the country legend’s death at age 80.
For now, Jelly has not officially announced that he is quitting music. On the personal side, Jelly’s comments come shortly after his divorce from Bunnie Xo was finalized in July, according to court documents obtained by People in July 2026.
