A Tennessee parole board recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll this week.
Following a clemency hearing for the singer — whose real name is Jason DeFord — in Nashville on Tuesday, the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended that his criminal record, including a past conviction of robbery, be cleared.
According to the Tennessee Board of Parole, “One member of the seven-person board recused themselves from the hearing.”
Jelly Roll attends The 2025 Pollstar Awards at The Beverly Hilton on April 16, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
It is now up to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to review the board’s recommendation.
Jelly Roll, who is known for his hit songs, “I Am Not Okay” and “Need a Favor,” has previously spoken openly about his past incarceration.
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In 2008 he was convicted of robbery and drug possession, according to court records.
In an interview with Joe Rogan in 2023, Jelly Roll said that he spent time in jail from ages 14 to 25.
“At 16, I was charged as an adult for a charge,” he said at the time. “It was a heinous crime, admittedly. It was horrible. We robbed a couple of guys for some weed, but they called the police because we took some money and some stuff. It was an armed robbery, we went in there with a gun, I regret it every day of my life.”
He added that he was a kid when it happened, but said that he still feels “horrible about it.”
As a result, Jelly Roll said that his conviction has affected aspects of his life, including his ability to travel.
Those who have been convicted of a felony may be denied entry into other countries due to restrictions.
According to The Associated Press, Jelly Roll told the parole board this week that one of the reasons he was seeking a pardon was to be able to travel to Canada to perform.
Davidson County Sheriff’s Office shows singer Jelly Roll with Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall at his Tennessee Board of Parole hearing on April 22, 2025 in Nashville, Tenn.
Davidson County Sheriff’s Office via AP
“I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible,” he said. “One of the reasons I’m asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I’m looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world.”
He added, “I’ll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s.”
At Jelly Roll’s hearing, Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall was in attendance and advocated for the singer, according to the AP. Hall shared a series of photos on social media with the singer, including one of the both of them embracing.
According to the AP, following the board’s decision, Jelly Roll said, “This was incredible,” adding, “I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.”
“Good Morning America” has reached out to the Nashville Sheriff’s Department and a rep for Jelly Roll for comment.
