In a touching moment that has captivated the world, country music star Jelly Roll orchestrated a breathtaking surprise for his mother, Donna DeFord, on Mother’s Day 2025, leaving fans and onlookers emotional. The event, which unfolded on May 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM +07 in Nashville, showcased the singer’s deep devotion to his family, turning a personal gesture into a global sensation.

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, arranged a private concert at his mother’s home, transforming her living room into a stage for an intimate performance. Donna, who has faced health challenges and relies on a wheelchair, was unaware of the surprise until Jelly Roll, alongside his wife Bunnie Xo and daughter Bailee Ann, rolled out a custom stage setup. The 40-year-old singer performed an acoustic rendition of “Save Me,” a song inspired by his turbulent past and his mother’s unwavering support. As he sang, tears streamed down Donna’s face, and the moment was captured on video by Bunnie, who shared it online, sparking an outpouring of emotion.

“I wanted to give her something she could never forget,” Jelly Roll told reporters afterward, his voice breaking. “She’s been my rock through everything—jail, addiction, all of it. This was my way of saying thank you.” The surprise escalated when Bailee joined her father for a duet of “Tears Could Talk,” a song they’ve performed together, symbolizing their bond. The crowd, including close family friends, was moved to tears, with one guest describing it as “a love letter in music.”

The video went viral within hours, amassing millions of views on social media. Fans flooded X with messages like “Jelly Roll just melted my heart” and “Donna deserved every second of this.” The gesture resonated deeply, given Donna’s past struggles with mental health and addiction, which Jelly Roll has openly credited for shaping his resilience. Her inability to attend major events like the Grammys due to mobility issues made this homecoming performance even more poignant.

The surprise also featured a special gift: a beach trip planned for later in 2025, echoing a previous heartfelt moment when Jelly ensured Donna saw the ocean after 30 years. “She’s my inspiration,” Jelly said. “Music came from her, and now I’m bringing it back to her.” Bunnie Xo added, “Seeing her smile like that—it’s why we do this.”

As Jelly Roll prepares for his Beautifully Broken Tour, this Mother’s Day surprise has reinforced his reputation as a family man amid his meteoric rise in country music. With two Grammy nominations and a CMA Award under his belt, the singer’s focus on his roots has struck a chord with fans worldwide. Donna, overwhelmed, simply said, “My boy made me feel like a queen today.”

This heartwarming act has cemented Jelly Roll’s legacy not just as a star, but as a son who never forgets where he came from.