Jelly Roll, the rapper turned country music star, was pardoned by the governor of Tennessee on Thursday for his previous robbery and drug convictions, making it easier for the artist to perform concerts internationally.
The Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously voted in April that Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, should be pardoned. He was one of 33 people Gov. Bill Lee granted clemency on Thursday, and photos shared by Mr. Lee’s office show Jelly Roll, dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt and hat, embracing the governor in front of a Christmas tree.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee said, according to The Associated Press.
A representative for Jelly Roll did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Associated Press previously reported that Jelly Roll was sentenced to a year in prison after entering a house and demanding money in 2002; he was unarmed but two other men were carrying guns. In another case, The A.P. reported, Jelly Roll was sentenced to eight years of court-ordered supervision after the police found cocaine and marijuana in his car. Jelly Roll has said that his legal troubles caused issues related to performing outside the United States.
Jelly Roll, 41, a Tennessee native, started his career as a rapper but rose to prominence in 2023 with his country album “Whitsitt Chapel” and its popular songs “Save Me” and “Need a Favor.” He was named best new artist at the Country Music Association Awards that year. His most recent album, “Beautifully Broken,” reached No. 1 on the charts. He’ll compete for three Grammys, including best contemporary country album, at the event’s next ceremony in February.
In recent years, Jelly Roll has performed at correctional facilities and testified before Congress about the fentanyl crisis.
“It was evident to me that this is a man who should get a pardon,” Mr. Lee said during a call with reporters, according to the Tennessean newspaper.
Mr. Lee’s pardon is a type of clemency given to individuals who have “completed their sentences and have been living freely in their communities for at least five years,” according to a news release. Mr. Lee, a Republican, has pardoned more than 90 people since becoming governor in 2019.
Emmanuel Morgan reports on sports, pop culture and entertainment.
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