Jelly Roll got some more good news.
The Associated Press is reporting that Jelly Roll, aka Jason DeFord, has been granted a full pardon from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for his past crimes. The singer-turned-WWE wrestler was among 33 people who received pardons from Lee on Thursday.
The 41-year-old star was convicted of robbery in 2002 when he was just 17 years old. He served one year in prison and got probation. In 2008, he was also caught by police with marijuana and crack cocaine in his car and received eight years of court-ordered supervision as a sentence.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Governor Lee told reporters.
Jelly Roll has been petitioning for a pardon since October 2024, which would allow him to travel internationally and perform missionary work. In addition to lifting travel restrictions, Jelly Roll will also earn back the right to vote.
“I was a part of the problem,” Jelly Roll said. “I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”
Jelly Roll competed at WWE SummerSlam
Jelly Roll has enjoyed a positive wave of success in recent weeks, as he also received an invitation to become a member of the prestigious Grand Ole Opry. The SummerSlam competitor learned about the surprise announcement during the December 10, 2025, edition of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
Jelly Roll was a big part of WWE TV this summer. The singer participated in a memorable match at SummerSlam. He also appeared in the crowd at WWE’s Clash in Paris event. Jelly Roll credited WWE for contributing to his weight loss, after Triple H told him that he could have a match with the company if he shed the pounds.
“I’m like, Triple H, I got to do this. I got to take a match, bro,” Jelly Roll explained. “I was like, I’m going to go lose 100 pounds and come back and take a match.”
Jelly Roll is down 200 pounds and says that the weight loss gave him the ability to see color again.
Read More: John Cena Compares Smiling In His Last Match To Dying Peacefully
