Jelly Roll Makes Rare Appearance With His Mini-Me Son Noah, 9, During Special Nashville Outing

Country star Jelly Roll is known for his raw honesty, big heart, and even bigger stage presence — but every now and then, fans get to see a softer, more private side of him. That’s exactly what happened recently in Nashville when the 41-year-old artist made a rare public appearance with his nine-year-old son, Noah.

The father-son duo stepped out together for the Music City Madness game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Bridgestone Arena, and the moment quickly grabbed the attention of fans who love seeing Jelly Roll in full “Dad mode.”

A Sweet Father-Son Moment In The Middle of Music City

Dressed casually in a black sweatsuit and a backwards yellow cap, Jelly Roll — whose real name is Jason DeFord — appeared relaxed and in great spirits as he enjoyed a day out with Noah. The pair looked adorably coordinated, both sporting dark sweats and winter hats as they walked into the arena side by side.

For fans who are used to seeing Jelly Roll on stage, the quiet, quality time with his son offered a heartwarming reminder that behind the fame, the awards, and the headlines, he’s also just a proud dad who cherishes these moments.

DeFord shares Noah with ex-partner Melisa Cowell, with whom he maintains a healthy, supportive co-parenting relationship. He is also father to 17-year-old daughter Bailee from another relationship.

A Blended Family Built On Respect And Support

The openness and unity of Jelly Roll’s family has long inspired fans. In July 2023, his wife Bunnie Xo took to social media to publicly praise Melisa, sharing a sweet photo and a message that instantly went viral.

“Sweet friends, meet Noah’s beautiful mommy, Melisa,” she wrote. “She’s one stand-up chick and we couldn’t imagine our lives without her.”

Bunnie went on to explain how much Melisa means to their family — especially with Jelly Roll and Bunnie being on the road so often.

“It takes a village to raise these babies, and luckily we have her as part of the family,” she added.

In a world where blended families often face tension and struggle, the DeFords’ openness, respect, and teamwork continues to stand out as a model of healthy co-parenting.

Meanwhile, Jelly Roll’s Daughter Had A Hilarious Reaction To His New Look

Family moments have been abundant lately — including one that had fans laughing for days. Jelly Roll recently shaved his beard for the first time in ten years, and the reaction from his teenage daughter Bailee was priceless.

Captured in a YouTube video shared in late November, Bailee can be seen backing away in shock, yelling, “Stay over there!” as her freshly-shaven dad approached. Moments later, she broke into laughter and half-tears, shouting, “Oh my God! I’m gonna cry — I don’t like this!”

The video instantly became a fan favorite, showing yet another angle of Jelly Roll’s down-to-earth family life and the closeness he shares with his kids.