Jelly Roll Reflects on His 120-Pound Weight Loss After Hiking Camelback Mountain

Jelly Roll is reaching new milestones in his health and fitness journey, celebrating a remarkable 120-pound weight loss. At a pre-Super Bowl 2025 event, the country star opened up about his latest achievement and the positive changes he’s experienced on his path to better health.

A New Milestone: Hiking Camelback Mountain

During an exclusive interview at the EA Sports’ pre-Super Bowl 2025 party in New Orleans on February 7, Jelly Roll (real name Jason Bradley DeFord) shared his pride in accomplishing something he never thought possible. “I hiked a mountain the other day. Camelback,” he revealed, referencing the famous hike in Arizona. “There is no way that would have been possible beforehand, so it’s great to see that progress and we still are going.”

This mountain climb marks a significant moment in his weight loss journey, showcasing not only his physical transformation but also his growing determination to push past limits. Jelly Roll’s weight loss began after he shed 120 pounds, a process he embarked on after struggling with obesity for years. At his heaviest, the 40-year-old star weighed over 500 pounds before making the decision to prioritize his health.

Motivation Behind the Journey

While the physical transformation is impressive, Jelly Roll attributes much of his drive to external sources of motivation. The “Wild Ones” singer, who has faced significant challenges in his life, including addiction and incarceration, explained what keeps him going: “It isn’t always the case where I feel focused or positive.”

The true motivation, he shared, comes from the people he has met during his journey, particularly those in juvenile and rehab centers, as well as in prisons. Jelly Roll finds inspiration in the stories of resilience shared by others, whether it’s someone bravely marking their sobriety date or opening up about their struggles and losses. “Seeing the resilience of the human spirit, there is no greater motivation than to keep going,” he said.

A Supportive Partner and Big Goals for the Future

In addition to his own inner strength, Jelly Roll has received unwavering support from his wife, Bunnie XO, who has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his fitness journey. The couple, who have been married since 2016, often share their experiences publicly, with Bunnie being an active participant in her husband’s transformation.

Jelly Roll has even set big goals for the future, one of which is to be featured on the cover of Men’s Health. He shared this aspiration during a December 2024 episode of Bunnie’s Dumb Blonde podcast, saying, “I want to be on the cover of Men’s Health by March of 2026.” Bunnie cheered him on, saying, “Let’s go!” As they continue to support each other, their relationship remains a foundation of love and family. Jelly Roll emphasized that the key to a successful marriage is simple: prioritize each other and the family.

A Look at Their Family Life

Jelly Roll and Bunnie have two children from Jelly Roll’s previous relationships: Bailee Ann, 16, and Noah Buddy, 8. Bunnie, who is a stepmom to the children, values the family bond they share. For Jelly Roll, focusing on the well-being of his family has become central to his personal growth and transformation.

As Jelly Roll continues to work toward his fitness and life goals, he remains a shining example of resilience and determination. His story of overcoming addiction, facing his past, and transforming his health serves as an inspiration to many.