Jelly Roll is stepping back from his music career to seek divine guidance on his future after achieving remarkable success in the industry.
The country star shared his thoughts on this pivotal moment during an interview with Y’all Access Radio’s Kelly Sutton at the Grand Ole Opry, revealing that he feels called to pause and reflect on what lies ahead. In a social media clip posted on September 13, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, stated that he has reached a crossroads, expressing a desire to align his next steps with his faith.
Everything that Jason [DeFord] 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.
Seeking Guidance Through Faith
Jelly Roll has made significant strides in his career, including three Grammy Awards, a top spot on the Billboard 200, and 22 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. He’s also a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry. However, rather than rushing toward new achievements, he aims to take a step back and reflect on where he is meant to go next.
“If God tells me to go work at a homeless shelter in Paducah, Ky., I’m outta here… y’all will never see me again… he gave me everything I ever wanted,” he shared, highlighting the profound impact his faith has on his decision-making process.
During this time of transition, Jelly Roll is focusing on personal growth. He mentioned being entirely sober, engaging deeply in therapy, and dedicating more time to scripture. “I just gotta go do a little bit of work on myself to make sure that I’m all the way ready,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of quieting the chaos of the music world to better hear God’s direction.
Taking a Break from Touring
Jelly Roll has already begun to establish his distance from the industry, having performed his last show in Colorado Springs on July 30, which he indicated would mark a hiatus from touring for at least a year or two. This decision coincides with a significant personal change, as he and Bunnie Xo finalized their divorce on July 17, ending a decade-long marriage.
At this juncture, Jelly Roll is not outlining a specific plan for the future. Instead, he is prioritizing personal work and seeking spiritual clarity as he contemplates the next steps in his journey.