In an emotional moment captured under a canopy of trees, country music star Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, stood on his newly acquired 500-acre estate in the suburbs of New York and whispered, “Grandpa, I did it.” The unveiling of this sprawling sanctuary on May 30, 2025, alongside his wife, Bunnie XO, marked the realization of a lifelong dream and a heartfelt tribute to his late grandfather, whose wisdom shaped the artist’s journey. With tears in his eyes and a voice heavy with emotion, Jelly Roll honored the man who inspired him to rise above his past.

The 500-acre estate, described as a rural paradise, represents more than just a property purchase—it’s a testament to Jelly Roll’s resilience and redemption. Raised in Antioch, Tennessee, the singer overcame a troubled past, including incarceration and struggles with addiction, to become a chart-topping artist known for hits like “Son of a Sinner.” His grandfather, a guiding figure who passed away before seeing Jelly Roll’s success, often urged him to “go get you some land,” advice that echoed through the years. This estate, nestled in New York’s countryside (though some reports suggest Tennessee as the location), fulfills that counsel, offering a haven for Jelly Roll, Bunnie, and their family.

During a teary-eyed tour shared on social media, Jelly Roll walked fans through the property’s rolling hills, dense forests, and open fields, his voice cracking as he reflected on his grandfather’s influence. “He told me land is freedom, a place to build something real,” Jelly Roll said, pausing to wipe his eyes. “This is for him.” The estate, which he and Bunnie closed on earlier this year, is envisioned as a family retreat, a space for creative inspiration, and a legacy for their children. Bunnie, a podcast host and entrepreneur, called it “our forever home,” emphasizing its role as a sanctuary.

The unveiling comes amid a whirlwind year for Jelly Roll, who recently won multiple CMA Awards and continues to advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. Fans flooded X with messages of support, moved by his vulnerability and the heartfelt tribute. “Seeing Jelly cry for his grandpa hits different,” one user posted. “This is what success looks like.” Others noted the estate’s significance as a symbol of breaking generational cycles, a theme central to Jelly Roll’s music and philanthropy.

While the New York location has sparked some confusion—public reports, including posts on Facebook and articles from Taste of Country and Southern Living, place the estate in Tennessee—the artist’s team has not clarified the discrepancy. Regardless, the property’s purpose remains clear: a tribute to family and perseverance. Plans for the estate include sustainable farming, a recording studio, and community outreach programs, aligning with Jelly Roll’s commitment to giving back.

As he stood beneath the trees, Jelly Roll’s three words—“Grandpa, I did it”—carried a lifetime of meaning, encapsulating a journey from hardship to triumph. The estate stands as a monument to his grandfather’s love and a promise kept, proving that even the wildest dreams can take root in the right soil. For Jelly Roll and his fans, this sanctuary is more than land—it’s a legacy of love, etched into the earth.