In a heartfelt moment that has fans buzzing, country music star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) and his wife, Bunnie XO, have confirmed they are expecting their third child—a baby boy—through their ongoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey. The couple, who have been open about their fertility struggles, shared the emotional news on June 25, 2025, with Bunnie posting, “We’ve waited years for this moment…” on social media, sparking an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans. This will be their first biological child together, joining Jelly Roll’s children from previous relationships, Bailee Ann, 17, and Noah Buddy, 8, whom Bunnie has embraced as a stepmother since their 2016 marriage.
A Long-Awaited Milestone in Their IVF Journey
Jelly Roll and Bunnie first revealed their IVF plans in June 2024 on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast, with Bunnie later sharing on Instagram, “We had planned on doing this privately, but decided our IVF journey needed to be shared because we’ve always been so open.” She detailed the challenges, including her past struggles with endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a botched abortion at 16, and two ectopic pregnancies, which made carrying a child difficult. The couple opted for surrogacy to ensure a safer pregnancy, with Bunnie stating, “I am not mentally well enough to let my hormones get out of whack.”
Their journey has been marked by emotional highs and lows. In March 2025, Bunnie shared a TikTok update from the hospital, describing the “rollercoaster” of hormones and egg retrievals, emphasizing her desire for “a little piece of my husband and me.” On June 16, 2025, she posted about a “huge win” in their IVF process, clarifying it was not a pregnancy announcement but a significant step forward. The confirmation of their baby boy’s impending arrival came just days later, with Bunnie noting they plan to keep the birth private for six months to a year to protect their family’s privacy, especially given past online bullying.
A Family Growing Stronger
Jelly Roll, who has credited fatherhood with transforming his life, already shares a deep bond with Bailee and Noah. Bailee’s birth in 2008, while Jelly Roll was incarcerated, was a turning point, inspiring him to change his path. He and Bunnie gained full custody of Bailee in 2017, and Bunnie has been a devoted stepmother, with Jelly Roll praising her as “the epitome of a good mom.” Noah, born in 2016, primarily lives with his mother but remains part of their tight-knit family. The couple’s decision to expand their family came after years of reflection, with Bunnie noting in 2024, “Something changed this year & we both just want a piece of us together.”
The announcement of their third child, expected in 2026, aligns with Jelly Roll’s ongoing personal growth, including a 70-pound weight loss motivated by his desire to live longer for his children. Bunnie, 45, has also spoken about being in a strong mental and financial place to raise another child, having overcome significant trauma. Their fans have rallied around them, with comments flooding social media praising their openness and resilience.
A Joyful Future Ahead
As Jelly Roll continues his Beautifully Broken tour and prepares for a 2025 stadium trek with Post Malone, Bunnie is managing her Dumb Blonde podcast and their IVF journey with grace. The couple’s announcement has resonated deeply, with one X post capturing the sentiment: “Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO’s baby news is the kind of joy we need in 2025!” While they plan to keep further details private until after the birth, the confirmation of their baby boy marks a triumphant milestone in their journey, blending their signature authenticity with a new chapter of love and family.