Rapper Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, was pardoned by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on December 18. This goes back to his robbery and dr*g convictions from the early 2000s. According to a report by WSMV 4 Nashville, Governor Lee said that the way DeFord had lived their life after getting out of prison, he deserved a pardon. The decision was also unanimously recommended by the Tennessee parole board.Jelly Roll received the robbery charge when he was 16 and completed his sentencing for the same. Although the pardon won’t clear his criminal record, it will relieve him of some of the legal consequences. Interestingly, the news of the pardon was not pre-announced as the Governor planned to inform each beneficiary individually.Moreover, the Governor said that the rapper’s fame and recognition did not play a part in the pardon. Jelly Roll went through the same criteria as others in the process. Despite that, the Governor noted that the rapper did impressive work in terms of charity, mental health awareness, and addiction recovery.Previously, Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall wrote to the Governor, requesting a pardon for DeFord. In a statement captured by WKRN News 2, Hall said:“I think he has a chance to rehabilitate a generation. I really believe that and I want to see him get opportunities to do it. And I think that I am qualified to tell you what the difference between someone who talks it and someone who walks it. And there is no doubt where he is.” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostWhat did Governor Bill Lee say about Jelly Roll’s pardon?In April 2025, Governor Bill Lee said that the request for Jelly Roll’s pardon would be reviewed. He said it was important to him as they have been involved in the process for many years. At the time, he said that he had granted clemency regularly. He said:“The reporting of Jelly Roll, that’s encouraging for his situation but there are steps yet to happen in that case.”With regard to pardoning the rapper, the Governor said:“It was evident to me that this is a man who should get a pardon.”Speaking to the reporters, he added:“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for.”In May 2025, speaking to Access Hollywood at the ACM Awards, Jelly Roll said he and Bunnie XO were planning to expand their family. He said they have received support and prayers from friends. The reporter mentioned that he was getting closer to a pardon. When asked what it meant to him, the rapper said:“It means a lot, man. It's means a lot to the same parole board that I've had to sit in front of in a jumpsuit. I got to sit in front of as a changed man and explain to them how much I've tried to rehabilitate my life.”Jelly Roll said it was an honour that they recommended him. However, he noted that even if he didn’t get the recommendation, he would still have been proud of what he had done in his life.