Jelly Roll opened up about his dramatic weight loss at the 2026 Grammy Awards, explaining that the transformation only came after he decided to take his health as seriously as his previous struggles with addiction.
Speaking to reporters in the Grammys press room on February 1, the singer revealed that he had lost more than 200 pounds and said the journey required a complete mindset.
“I did it with a lot of consistent cardio and food,” he said.
“I had to fight my food addiction just like I fought my cocaine addiction. I had to really take it seriously. I had to change my relationship with food.”
The 41-year-old, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, stressed that weight loss for him was as much mental as it was physical. He shared that therapy played a key role in helping him deal with cravings and break unhealthy patterns.
“I had to do a lot of mental therapy and a lot of mental work to block out the food noise,” he explained, adding that he never used weight loss injections. “Never done a GLP-1, but I don’t judge anyone who does.”
Jelly Roll, who took home three awards at the 68th annual Grammys, including Best Contemporary Country Album, Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Shaboozey and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, used the moment to encourage others facing similar struggles.
“Anyone who weighs 500 pounds: I don’t care if you take one shot or 10,” he emphasized.
“Do what it takes. Take the weight off. Don’t listen to others. Go get your life straight and save that heart.”
He has previously shared that previous attempts to lose weight had failed and it was his sobriety journey that ultimately changed his approach.
Reflect on the process during a December performance on The Joe Rogan Experiencehe said deciding to slow down and be more deliberate.
“When I sat down to try to lose it this time, I said, ‘I’m going to take a different approach. I’m going to really take my time with it and I’m going to think about what I’m doing and be intentional,'” he recalled, noting that his experience with addiction helped him recognize deeper patterns.
“I’ve dealt with substance abuse, so I thought maybe there’s something here.”
Exercise, especially running, has become central to his daily routine.
He told recently E! News that food was the biggest change he made, but movement became his anchor.
“Running has been my real healer,” he said, explaining that he runs every single day. Even on easier days, he makes sure to get at least a mile in at a slow, steady pace.
Beyond the physical changes, Jelly Roll says his motivation is rooted in family.
Father to Bailee Ann, 17, and Noah, 9, from previous relationships, he credits his wife, Bunnie XO, with being his strongest support system.
“Bunnie was playing [biggest] role to even get me here,” he said. “Every part of me that gets better is just another attempt to be a better husband and a better father.”
While he’s proud of the weight he’s lost, Jelly Roll made it clear that the journey is on.
For him, the transformation is not about a finish line, but about continuing to grow. As he put it, the weight loss was just a step and he knows he has to continue to improve tomorrow.
