Inside the Reason Behind Jelly Roll and Bunnio Xo Split: Report

Jelly Roll has filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo after nearly a decade together, with insiders revealing the split had been building for some time.

Jelly Roll sent shockwaves through the internet earlier this week when news broke that the country star had filed for divorce from his wife and longtime partner, Bunnie Xo. While the split blindsided fans who had followed the couple closely, those in their inner circle say it was far from sudden.

Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll attend the "Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic" book tour at The Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on February 26, 2026 in Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Jelly submitted his petition in Williamson County, Tennessee, on May 18, citing irreconcilable differences and listing May 9 as the date of separation.

A source close to the rapper and singer described the dynamic between him and the "Dumb Blonde" podcaster as always having been "complicated" — a tension that stretches back to the earliest days of their relationship.

The pair first crossed paths in 2015, when Jelly was struggling financially and Bunnie was working as a sex worker. They started out as friends before their bond evolved into a romance the following year.

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on April 1 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

"When they first got together, they were both in a very different place in their lives," the insider said. "There was a lot of chaos, ups and downs, and they built a life together through all of that."

The source noted that Jelly — whose career has skyrocketed in recent years, and who has shed nearly 300 lbs. — has "changed a lot," adding, "He's very focused on his future, his health and being around for a long time."

"There wasn't a moment where everything fell apart," the source continued. "They still love each other but were no longer on the same page about certain things, including what they wanted their future to look like. People saw the public side of things, but there was a lot more going on privately."

Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll during the "Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic" book tour at The Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on February 26, 2026 in Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Throughout their relationship, Jelly and Bunnie were consistently open with their audience, speaking candidly about both the highs and the hardships — including Jelly's 2018 affair, which led to a brief separation.

They also spoke openly about undergoing IVF as they looked to expand their family. Jelly is already a father to 18-year-old daughter Bailee and nine-year-old son Noah, both from previous relationships.

At the Grammy Awards in February, Jelly — born Jason DeFord — became emotional as he paid tribute to Bunnie, born Alisa DeFord.

"I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would have never changed my life without you," he said. "I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn't for you and Jesus. I thank you for that."

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo attend the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In a recent video in which Jelly promoted a protein powder, one commenter wrote, "Wedding ring has been moved onto the left pointer finger since feb/march … is it due to weight loss or are they actually separated? 😵‍💫 [sic]."

Since the news of the split broke, Jelly appeared to quietly confirm the separation himself — by scrubbing Bunnie's name from his Instagram bio. The "Need a Favor" singer's profile once listed "Music Man," a lock-and-key emoji, and Bunnie's username, @xomgitsbunnie. It now simply reads, "Music Man."