In a world where celebrity love stories often fade as fast as the headlines, country star Jelly Roll just proved that romance is alive and thriving. Known for his gritty lyrics and raw authenticity, the genre-bending singer-rapper stunned fans and melted hearts by pulling off a grand and emotional surprise for his wife, Bunnie XO, to celebrate their 9th wedding anniversary.
What began as a quiet evening turned into something unforgettable โ a recreation of their emotional marriage proposal followed by a jaw-dropping gift: a $5 million luxury yacht, custom-made as a symbol of their journey together. The story quickly went viral, leaving fans and friends in awe of Jelly Rollโs devotion and over-the-top gesture of love.
๐น A Love Story That Broke the Mold
![]()
Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) and Bunnie XO (Bunnie DeFord) have never been shy about their unconventional love story. The couple met during a time when both were navigating personal struggles โ Jelly Roll was still grinding in the independent music scene, while Bunnie was building her media platform and healing from her own past.
Their connection was instant, deep, and unshakably real. They married in 2016 in a spontaneous ceremony in Las Vegas. Since then, the pair have been open about their challenges and triumphs, using their story to inspire others with messages of redemption, healing, and unconditional love.
๐ The Proposal Reimagined
To celebrate 9 years of marriage, Jelly Roll wanted to do more than just say โI love youโ โ he wanted to relive the moment everything changed.
The surprise began in Destin, Florida, where the couple often vacations. Bunnie believed they were heading out for a private dinner cruise. But when she arrived at the marina, she was greeted by a familiar scene โ the same music, the same candles, even the same outfit Jelly wore the night he proposed.
At sunset, he knelt before her on the dock, recreating their original proposal word-for-word, this time with tears in his eyes and a hand-written letter he read aloud.
โWeโve walked through the fire together, and still, here you are โ my best friend, my queen, my everything,โ he said, according to witnesses.
Bunnie, emotional and smiling, said โyesโ all over again, before hugging him tightly and laughing through her tears.
๐ฅ๏ธ A Gift That Stunned Even Their Friends

Just as Bunnie thought the evening couldnโt get any more surreal, Jelly Roll motioned toward a massive white vessel slowly pulling into view.
The 155-foot superyacht, named โThe XO Dreamโ, is reportedly valued at $5 million and was fully customized for Bunnie.
The yacht includes:
-
A private spa and salon studio
-
A custom walk-in closet modeled after her signature glam room
-
A recording lounge with Jelly Rollโs platinum plaques on the walls
-
A full-service chefโs kitchen, open deck bar, and rooftop jacuzzi
-
A personalized hull design featuring a heart with their initials etched in gold leaf
Friends close to the couple said Bunnie was โabsolutely flooredโ and burst into tears again, hugging Jelly and saying, โYou always outdo yourselfโฆ but this? This is wild.โ
๐ Fan Reactions: โThis Is Real Loveโ
When Bunnie later posted a short video of the moment โ with no caption other than a red heart emoji and โ#9YearsMarriedโ โ the internet lit up with support, admiration, and disbelief.
-
โThis is what love looks like after surviving hell together.โ
-
โJelly Roll just set the bar for husbands everywhere!โ
-
โThe XO Dream? Thatโs iconic. Congratulations, you two.โ
Even celebrities chimed in. Country star Brantley Gilbert commented, โThatโs how you do it, brother. Salute.โ And singer Elle King shared, โIโm crying and I wasnโt even there.โ
๐ฌ Jelly Roll on Why It Mattered
Later that night, Jelly Roll took to Instagram Live to reflect on the moment.
โI never thought Iโd be here,โ he said. โI came from a jail cell to the biggest stages in the worldโฆ but the biggest blessing in my life is Bunnie. She loved me before the world knew my name. That yacht? That proposal? Itโs just a small way to say thank you.โ
He added:
โReal love doesnโt care where you started. It only cares where you grow.โ
๐ค More Than Just a Gift
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/Jelly-Roll-vow-renewal-090123-8e05a06737d1442487c5c15a575c5808.jpg)
While the yacht made headlines, fans say the real story is the resilience and partnership the couple embodies. From their early days filled with pain and struggle to the glow-up they now enjoy, their journey is a reminder that love โ when nurtured โ can survive anything.
Jelly and Bunnie plan to use โThe XO Dreamโ for future retreats and possibly to film a new vlog series chronicling their travels and life onboard.
๐ Final Thoughts
In a world obsessed with viral moments and flashy romance, Jelly Roll reminded us all that the most powerful gestures are those rooted in gratitude, loyalty, and shared growth.
With one sunset, a recreated proposal, and a floating palace of love, he didnโt just mark nine years of marriage โ he built a legacy of love that will sail on for decades.
And for the fans watching, the message was loud and clear:
Love, when real, rolls deeper than diamonds โ and sometimes floats on the sea.