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The Untold Story Of Jelly Roll's Son, Noah Buddy: 7 Things You Didn't Know About His Family Life In 2025

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The meteoric rise of country-rock star Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has brought unprecedented attention to his deeply personal life, especially his journey as a father. While his daughter, Bailee Ann, often appears in the spotlight, many fans are curious about the singer's youngest child, his son. As of late 2025, the focus on his family has intensified, revealing new details about his private, yet amicable, co-parenting arrangement and the life of his nine-year-old son, Noah Buddy DeFord.

The truth about Jelly Roll's son, Noah, is a testament to the artist's commitment to prioritizing his family, regardless of his complicated past or demanding career schedule. This article dives into the most current information, shedding light on Noah's mother, their unique family dynamic, and the rare, heartwarming moments Jelly Roll has recently shared with his boy.

Jelly Roll: Full Biography and Family Profile

Jason Bradley DeFord, known professionally as Jelly Roll, has one of the most compelling backstories in modern music. His transition from a career in rap to becoming a country-rock sensation is marked by themes of redemption, sobriety, and family love. Understanding his son Noah’s life requires a look at the man behind the music.

  • Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
  • Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
  • Hometown: Antioch, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Wife: Bunnie Xo (Alyssa DeFord), married in 2016
  • Children:
    • Daughter: Bailee Ann DeFord (Born: May 22, 2008). Jelly Roll gained full custody of Bailee in 2022.
    • Son: Noah Buddy DeFord (Born: August 23, 2016)
  • Career Highlights: Initially known for mixtapes and collaborations in the rap/hip-hop scene. Achieved mainstream crossover success with the 2021 album Ballads of the Broken and the hit single "Son of a Sinner." His 2023 album, Whitsitt Chapel, cemented his status in country music, earning him multiple awards and Grammy nominations.
  • Key Themes: Redemption, mental health advocacy, addiction recovery, and the power of second chances.

The Co-Parenting Dynamic: Noah's Mother, Melisa, and Bunnie XO

One of the most unique and admirable aspects of Jelly Roll's family life is the open and supportive co-parenting relationship surrounding Noah. While Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, share a very public life, the arrangement for Noah remains intentionally private and respectful of his custodial mother.

Who is Noah Buddy's Mother?

Noah Buddy DeFord’s biological mother is a woman named Melisa. Unlike many high-profile co-parenting situations that are plagued by public drama, the relationship between Jelly Roll, Bunnie XO, and Melisa is reportedly harmonious. Melisa is the primary custodial parent, meaning Noah primarily lives with her.

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have consistently spoken with respect about Melisa, emphasizing that all three parental parties are "on the same page" for Noah's well-being. Bunnie XO, in particular, has used her platform to praise Melisa, showcasing a rare and positive example of blended family harmony in the celebrity world. This mutual respect ensures that Noah is raised in a stable and loving environment, despite the separate households.

Noah Buddy DeFord: Age and Latest Public Appearances

As of late 2025, Noah Buddy DeFord is nine years old. His parents have been careful to shield him from the intense media scrutiny that follows Jelly Roll’s career, making his public appearances rare and significant. However, as Jelly Roll’s fame has grown, so have the heartwarming glimpses into his life with his son.

In recent months, Jelly Roll has shared a few key bonding moments with Noah, offering fans a look at his life as a dedicated father:

  • The Basketball Outing: One of the most recent and notable "rare outings" was when Jelly Roll and Noah attended a basketball game together, watching the Tennessee Volunteers take on the Illinois Fighting Illini. This father-son time emphasizes the importance of shared experiences outside of the music world.
  • The Movie Premiere: Noah was also seen with his father at the premiere of the movie Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This appearance highlighted Noah’s age-appropriate interests and gave a small peek into his personality.
  • The Flag Football Hype Man: Jelly Roll shared a touching moment from one of Noah's flag football games where he acted as the "ultimate hype man" for the team. His advice to the young team—"You have good days and you have bad days, but above everything, you have fun and you stick together"—reflects the life lessons the singer is passing down to his son.

The Music Connection: Noah’s Favorite Jelly Roll Song

Despite his father's diverse musical career, which spans hardcore rap to chart-topping country hits, Noah has a clear preference for his dad’s current sound. When asked about his favorite Jelly Roll song, Noah reportedly chose "Son of a Sinner," the song that truly launched his father into mainstream success.

In a funny viral moment, Jelly Roll also shared a video where his eight-year-old son was visibly shocked when his dad suddenly performed a verse from one of his older, more intense rap songs at the dinner table. This moment perfectly illustrates the generational and career gap—Noah knows the country star, but is surprised by the rapper of the past, Jason DeFord. It’s a powerful illustration of the transformation Jelly Roll has undergone, a change that directly benefits his children.

The open communication surrounding Jelly Roll's past is another central theme in his parenting. He has publicly stated that he plans to be completely transparent with Noah about his past struggles and incarceration when the time is right. This commitment to honesty is a core part of the father-son relationship, ensuring Noah understands his dad’s journey of redemption.

The Future of the DeFord Family

The current family dynamic is one of stability and growth. While Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO have been open about their ongoing, difficult IVF journey to potentially have another child together, the focus remains firmly on their two children, Bailee and Noah.

The stability provided by Jelly Roll’s sobriety and career success means that Noah Buddy DeFord is growing up with a present, loving, and famous father who is committed to being an active part of his life. The co-parenting success with Melisa and Bunnie XO serves as a powerful, positive model for blended families everywhere, proving that respect and a shared focus on the child can overcome complex circumstances. As Noah continues to grow, fans can expect only rare and carefully curated glimpses into his life, ensuring he maintains a sense of normalcy and privacy while his father continues his incredible ascent in the music industry.

jelly roll's son
jelly roll's son

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