In an extraordinary act of compassion, country music superstar Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, has donated $20 million to support homeless elderly women, marking one of the largest personal charitable contributions in recent history. Announced on May 8, 2025, the donation will fund housing, healthcare, and essential support services for older women facing homelessness, a cause deeply personal to the artist. This heartfelt gesture fulfills the dying wish of his late mother, whose influence continues to resonate in Jelly Roll’s life and music.

Jelly Roll, known for his raw, soulful lyrics and genre-blending sound, revealed that his mother, who passed away recently, had long expressed concern for vulnerable women, particularly those aging without a safety net. “Mama always said, ‘Take care of the ones who can’t take care of themselves,’” Jelly Roll shared in an emotional press conference. “She saw herself in those women—strong, but broken by life’s weight. This is for her.” The donation establishes the “Mama’s Wish Foundation,” a nonprofit dedicated to providing safe housing, medical care, and job training for homeless women over 60.

The $20 million pledge will be distributed across urban and rural communities, with initial programs launching in Nashville, Tennessee, where Jelly Roll grew up. The initiative includes partnerships with local shelters, healthcare providers, and vocational programs to ensure comprehensive support. “These women aren’t just numbers,” Jelly Roll emphasized. “They’re mothers, sisters, daughters. They deserve dignity.” The foundation aims to break the cycle of homelessness by addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability.

Jelly Roll’s journey from a troubled youth to a celebrated artist informs his commitment to giving back. His past struggles with incarceration and addiction, coupled with his mother’s unwavering support, have shaped his perspective on redemption and second chances. “I was a mess, but Mama never gave up on me,” he said. “She’d want me to help others get back on their feet.” This donation builds on his previous philanthropy, including a $250,000 contribution in 2022 to a Nashville juvenile detention center’s recording studio.

The announcement comes amid Jelly Roll’s meteoric rise, with sold-out shows on his 2025 Big Ass Stadium Tour alongside Post Malone and a headlining set at Stagecoach 2025, where he brought out stars like Lana Del Rey and MGK. Yet, despite his success, Jelly Roll remains grounded, often crediting his mother for his resilience. Fans have flooded social media with praise, calling the donation “a game-changer” and “a tribute that’ll outlive us all.”

As the Mama’s Wish Foundation begins its work, Jelly Roll hopes to inspire others to act. “This ain’t about me,” he said. “It’s about keeping a promise to the woman who made me who I am.” With this monumental gift, Jelly Roll not only honors his mother’s legacy but also shines a light on a forgotten demographic, proving that music and compassion can change lives.