Meet Jelly Roll's Daughter, Bailee Ann, Who Was Born While He Was in Prison

The rapper's daughter is his eldest child, and he also has a younger son. Get to know more about his firstborn, who has dabbled in music over the years.

Jason Bradley DeFord, better known as Jelly Roll, is one proud father. However, his journey into fatherhood was not easy, as he was incarcerated when he first became a parent.

Since then, the singer and songwriter has turned over a new leaf, establishing a successful music career while balancing life as a family man. He once said he took his life more seriously after the arrival of his daughter.

Who Is Jelly Roll's Daughter Who Arrived When He Was Behind Bars?

At 23, Jelly Roll was arrested for drug dealing and found himself behind bars. That period became a turning point when he learned that his first child, daughter Bailee Ann, was born in May 2008. In an interview, he said:

"I've never had nothing in life that urged me in the moment to know that I had to do something different. I have to figure this out right now."

He was later transferred from the violent offenders unit to the education unit, where he took a GED test and passed on his first attempt. After his release, the musician met his daughter on her second birthday.

That was just the beginning of their relationship. The Tennessee native later won custody of Bailee and credited his wife, Bunnie Xo, whom he married in 2016, for helping make it possible.

A Teen with a Creative Side

When asked what it is like to be a full-time musician and a full-time father, Jelly Roll once said it is "awesome." At the time, Bailee was 14. He revealed that she loves music, plays the piano and guitar, and is active in her school's drama program, adding:

"She's finding her way to express herself and I encourage that."

From Prom Night to Future Plans

Bailee currently lives with her father and stepmother, who celebrated her milestone in April 2025. Bunnie posted on TikTok, sharing a glimpse of Bailee's first prom night in a video showing her getting ready alongside her prom date.

She wore a strapless yellow gown paired with white sneakers, while her date sported a blue suit with a baby blue shirt underneath. The teen posed with her father and Bunnie, who captioned her post, "I'm crying."

During an appearance on Bunnie's "Dumb Blonde" podcast, Bailee discussed her post–high school plans. When asked if she wanted to follow in her father's musical footsteps, she replied, "I want to go to Columbia for law."

Asked which field she would like to focus on, Bailee said she wants to pursue criminal offense. As for music, she does not plan on pursuing it for now. While Bunnie remarked that the judicial system is corrupt, Bailee explained:

"I think that's part of the reason why I'm so invested in it because I really want to turn the judicial system upside down. And the best way to do that is from the inside."

A Father's Pride and a Daughter's Influence

Her father is proud of the young woman she has become. In an interview, Jelly Roll recalled telling Bailee:

"[I said], 'I don't judge you based on what you do. I judge you based on what I know you're capable of. You're so much smarter than I was at 16. You're so much better, so much more emotionally intelligent.'"

The musician, who also has an eight-year-old son named Noah, added that Bailee is far ahead at her age compared to him as a teenager, and he knows she has a bright future.

Bailee, whose mother has struggled with drug addiction, has had a profound impact on her father. Reflecting on fatherhood in a Father's Day post, Jelly Roll wrote, "Being a Father has been the greatest blessing of my life. Words can't describe how much of an impact my daughter has had in my life. I often say I didn't get custody of her, she got custody of me." He added that Bailee has taught him more about life than he has taught her.

Jelly Roll's story is one of transformation, marked by personal growth and redemption. Bailee Ann's presence in his life has been a powerful motivator, shaping his choices and inspiring his success.

Her ambitions in law and justice reflect a determination to create change beyond her family's fame. Together, their journey highlights the enduring strength of love and the possibilities that arise from second chances.