Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s Emotional IVF Journey: A 2025 Update
At the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, country music star Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, became visibly emotional while discussing his and his wife Bunnie XO’s ongoing journey to expand their family through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The couple, married since 2016, has been open about their dream of having a child together, a deeply personal aspiration that has resonated with fans worldwide. With Jelly Roll already a father to Bailee Ann, 16, and Noah Buddy, 8, from previous relationships, the couple’s desire to add “a little piece of us” to their family has led them down the challenging path of IVF. Here’s the latest on their fertility journey, marked by resilience, hope, and a recent breakthrough.
A Heartfelt Moment at the ACM Awards
On May 8, 2025, Jelly Roll walked the red carpet at the ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas, where he was nominated for three awards, including Entertainer of the Year. During an interview with Access Hollywood, he shared a heartfelt update on their IVF journey, saying, “We’re right in the middle of the journey. For all of our friends out there who have been supporting and praying for us, y’all know how hard it is. Thanks for praying for us. We’re still trying.” His emotional candor highlighted the difficulties of the process, striking a chord with those following their story. Bunnie, a podcast host and social media star, stood by his side, their bond evident as they navigated this deeply personal chapter in the public eye.
Bunnie XO’s Candid IVF Revelations
Bunnie XO, whose real name is Alyssa DeFord, has been transparent about the emotional and physical toll of IVF. In a March 2025 TikTok video, she detailed the “rollercoaster” of hormones, shots, and worry, emphasizing her longing to have “a little piece of my husband and me” to join Bailee and Noah. The couple, who share full custody of Bailee and co-parent Noah, initially planned to keep their journey private but chose to share it to connect with others facing similar struggles. Bunnie’s openness has fostered a supportive community, particularly among women on TikTok who share their IVF experiences. She’s described the process as “lonely,” noting, “It’s just you and these hormones and the waiting and the egg retrieval.”
A “Huge Win” in June 2025
In June 2025, Bunnie shared a significant milestone in their IVF journey. On June 16, she posted an emotional Instagram video, captioned, “When you just got the call you’ve been waiting on for 5 months since this IVF journey started. All the tears, the hopelessness & the struggle, God finally said, ‘Here.’ Praise Jesus.” The clip showed her tearfully receiving good news over the phone, though she clarified it was not a pregnancy announcement but a “huge win” in their process. Bunnie later elaborated on TikTok, revealing she had felt “hopeless” after the first egg retrieval but was uplifted by this progress, with “24 more hours to hold our breath.” This update sparked an outpouring of support from fans, though Bunnie emphasized they would keep future pregnancy news private for six months to a year after a baby’s arrival.
Why Surrogacy?
Bunnie has shared that they are pursuing IVF with a surrogate due to her medical history, which includes multiple miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, as well as concerns about her mental health and demanding schedule. In a July 2024 episode of her Dumb Blonde podcast, she explained, “I’m not mentally well enough to let my hormones get out of whack.” The couple has considered having twins, with Bunnie noting they were “on the fence” about welcoming one or two boys, planning implantation for February 2025. This decision reflects their careful approach to building their family while prioritizing Bunnie’s health.
Facing Challenges and Criticism
The couple’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Bunnie has confronted online trolls who criticized her age (45) and their decision to use a surrogate. In a June 2025 Instagram Story, she fiercely defended their choice, stating, “I have decided at the ripe age of 45 that I would love to hear the pitter-patter of little feet with the man that I’ve been with for almost a decade.” She highlighted her financial and emotional stability, gained through overcoming past hardships, as reasons for pursuing motherhood now. Bunnie’s resilience in the face of “gross” comments has further endeared her to fans who admire her authenticity.
Looking Ahead
Jelly Roll’s weight loss journey, shedding over 100 pounds by May 2025, was partly motivated by his desire to be healthy for their future child. He shared on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast that he wants to live long enough to see their child grow, saying, “I gotta see this kid into college.” As the couple continues their IVF process, with implantation planned for early 2025 and a hopeful “Baby DeFord 2026,” their story remains one of perseverance and love. Bunnie’s recent hospital updates, including a humorous post-anesthesia TikTok on March 18, 2025, show her finding light moments amid the challenges. Their journey, shared openly yet selectively, continues to inspire those navigating similar paths, proving that hope can shine through even the toughest moments.
