On a recent flight to a concert, country music star Jelly Roll and his team experienced a harrowing incident when their private jet was forced to make an emergency landing due to a mid-air malfunction. The incident, which occurred en route to a performance, left the entire team shaken but safe, with Jelly Roll sustaining minor injuries. Despite the scare, the singer remained calm and later reassured fans of his well-being, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft.
The incident unfolded as Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, was traveling with his wife, Bunnie XO, and a small crew. According to reports, the private jet encountered technical difficulties mid-flight, prompting the pilot to take immediate action. Bunnie XO, a podcast host and internet personality, documented the tense moments on social media, sharing a TikTok video with the caption, โWhen the private jet youโre in just stopped mid-air, turned around & said we had to emergency land because of a malfunction.โ The video captured the crewโs shocked reactions, with Bunnie mouthing, โWhat the fโk?โ as turbulence hit. She later described the ordeal as โscaryโ but maintained her composure, noting, โI get eerily calm under chaos.โ
The malfunction was attributed to a computer issue, specifically a screen blackout, which forced the pilot to manually navigate the aircraft back to safety. Jelly Roll later praised the pilotโs skill, stating in an interview, โThe pilot was like, โIโm not even risking this.โ He had to fly like it was the 1960s again. He was shaken.โ The safe landing was a testament to the pilotโs expertise, and no serious injuries were reported. Jelly Roll sustained minor injuries, described as non-life-threatening, and was able to continue his schedule after the incident.
Fans flooded social media with messages of concern and relief. One commented, โI love how everyone else looks terrified, and Bunnie looks just mad as hell lol. Hope you all are safe and sound!โ Another wrote, โPraying!!!! My favorites!!! Please let us know youโre ok!!โ Bunnie later updated followers, confirming, โWe landed but might have to get back on the same plane,โ highlighting the uncertainty that followed the emergency landing. Despite the ordeal, Jelly Roll and his team pressed forward, determined to make it to their destination.
This incident adds to the list of high-profile aviation scares involving country music stars. The genre has a history of such events, with artists like Sara Evans and Cody Johnson recounting near-death experiences on private planes. Tragically, stars like Patsy Cline and John Denver lost their lives in plane crashes, making Jelly Rollโs safe outcome all the more significant. The incident underscored the unpredictable nature of air travel, even for celebrities accustomed to the luxuries of private jets.
Jelly Roll, known for hits like โNeed A Favorโ and โSave Me,โ has been a rising star in country music since his breakout at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. His ability to connect with fans through raw, emotional performances has earned him a loyal following. Following the emergency landing, he expressed gratitude for his safety and the support of his wife, Bunnie XO. In a heartfelt moment, he said, โI am blessed to have you as a best friend; I am blessed to have you as a partner. You find beauty in broken things, and I love you.โ
The incident did not deter Jelly Roll from his commitments. He went on to perform and present at the event, demonstrating his professionalism and resilience. Fans and industry peers alike praised his composure, with one commenter noting, โJelly Rollโs strength in the face of adversity is inspiring.โ As he continues his rise in the music industry, this scare serves as a reminder of the challenges even the biggest stars face. For now, Jelly Roll and his team are safe, and fans can expect more powerful performances from the artist who refuses to be grounded.