NASHVILLE, TN – Just 30 minutes ago, the Nashville music community and Jelly Roll fans worldwide were plunged into grief following a heartbreaking announcement about the health of Jelly Roll’s mother, affectionately known to fans as “Mama Roll.” The country-rap superstar, born Jason DeFord, shared a tearful video on social media from a Nashville hospital, revealing that his mother, who has been a pillar of unconditional love throughout his life, is in critical condition due to an undisclosed medical emergency. The news, posted at 10:08 AM on May 14, 2025, has left fans in deep mourning, flooding platforms like X with prayers and messages of support.
Jelly Roll, 40, spoke directly to his 3.2 million followers, his voice breaking as he described his mother’s dire state. “Mama’s fighting, but she needs all the prayers we can get,” he said, clutching a childhood photo of the two. “She’s always loved me, no matter what I’ve done. I can’t lose her.” While he did not disclose specifics, sources close to the family suggest his mother suffered a sudden health crisis early this morning, prompting an urgent rush to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Mama Roll has been a central figure in Jelly Roll’s story of redemption. From his troubled youth, marked by drug charges and incarceration, to his rise as a Grammy-nominated artist, he has often credited her unwavering support for his transformation. In a 2023 “Sunday Morning” interview, he recalled her visiting him in jail, saying, “She never gave up on me, even when I was at my lowest.” Fans have embraced her as a symbol of resilience, with many sharing stories on X about meeting her at concerts, where she often greeted them warmly.
The announcement comes amid a whirlwind year for Jelly Roll, who recently made headlines for his $20 million “Puppy Paradise” stray dog sanctuary plan and a Tennessee Board of Parole recommendation for a pardon on April 22, 2025, for past crimes. Yet, today, the spotlight is on his personal loss. Posts on X reflect the collective heartbreak, with hashtags like #PrayForMamaRoll trending globally. One fan wrote, “Jelly Roll’s mama loved him through everything. Now we’re praying for her. Stay strong, JR.”
The Nashville community has rallied around the star. Sheriff Daron Hall, who supported Jelly Roll’s pardon hearing, posted, “Jason and his family are in our prayers. Mama Roll is a fighter.” Local venues, including Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville bar, dimmed lights in solidarity. Bunnie Xo, Jelly Roll’s wife, shared an Instagram story, writing, “Mama Roll’s love carried us all. Please pray.” The couple, who recently welcomed four rescue animals to their Nashville farm, have canceled upcoming appearances, including a planned Music City Rodeo performance.
Jelly Roll’s music, often raw and confessional, has resonated with fans facing their own struggles. His 2024 hit “I Am Not Okay,” celebrated at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, speaks to pain and hope—themes now echoing in his real-life crisis. As fans hold vigils outside the hospital, the singer remains by his mother’s side, joined by close family.
While no updates have been shared since the initial post, the outpouring of love underscores Mama Roll’s impact. Nashville, a city Jelly Roll calls home, stands united, praying for a miracle. As one X user put it, “Mama Roll loved Jelly Roll unconditionally. Now it’s our turn to love her back.”
