Jelly Roll's path to pardon clears as Tennessee parole board weighs in
Following a clemency hearing for the singer -- whose real name is Jason DeFord -- in Nashville on Tuesday, the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended that his criminal record, including a past conviction of robbery, be cleared.
According to the Tennessee Board of Parole, "One member of the seven-person board recused themselves from the hearing."
Jelly Roll discusses 'emotional' finish to 5K run: 'I feel great'
It is now up to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to review the board's recommendation.
Jelly Roll, who is known for his hit songs, "I Am Not Okay" and "Need a Favor," has previously spoken openly about his past incarceration.
In 2008 he was convicted of robbery and drug possession, according to court records.
In an interview with Joe Rogan in 2023, Jelly Roll said that he spent time in jail from ages 14 to 25.
"At 16, I was charged as an adult for a charge," he said at the time. "It was a heinous crime, admittedly. It was horrible. We robbed a couple of guys for some weed, but they called the police because we took some money and some stuff. It was an armed robbery, we went in there with a gun, I regret it every day of my life."
He added that he was a kid when it happened, but said that he still feels "horrible about it."
As a result, Jelly Roll said that his conviction has affected aspects of his life, including his ability to travel.
Those who have been convicted of a felony may be denied entry into other countries due to restrictions.
According to The Associated Press, Jelly Roll told the parole board this week that one of the reasons he was seeking a pardon was to be able to travel to Canada to perform.
"I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be -- to let them know that change is truly possible," he said. "One of the reasons I'm asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I'm looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world."
He added, 'I'll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s."
Jelly Roll dedicates new song 'I Am Not Okay' to 'everyone going through something': Listen here
At Jelly Roll's hearing, Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall was in attendance and advocated for the singer, according to the AP. Hall shared a series of photos on social media with the singer, including one of the both of them embracing.
According to the AP, following the board's decision, Jelly Roll said, "This was incredible," adding, "I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless."
"Good Morning America" has reached out to the Nashville Sheriff's Department and a rep for Jelly Roll for comment.
Jelly Roll's path to pardon clears as Tennessee parole board weighs in originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
19 minutes ago
- New York Post
Menendez brothers to be evaluated by parole board for release after yearslong court saga
The Menendez brothers are set to make their cases for parole starting Thursday, marking the closest they've been to winning freedom from prison since their convictions almost 30 years ago for murdering their parents. Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison for fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. They were 18 and 21 at the time. While defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance. Advertisement 5 The Menendez brothers (Erik left, Lyle right) are set to make their cases for parole starting Thursday, marking the closest they've been to winning freedom from prison since their convictions almost 30 years ago AP The brothers became eligible for parole after a Los Angeles judge in May reduced their sentences from life in prison without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole under California law because they were under the age of 26 when they committed their crimes. A panel of two or three parole hearing officers from a board of commissioners appointed by the governor will evaluate the brothers individually. Erik Menendez will have his hearing Thursday morning, followed by Lyle Menendez on Friday, over videoconference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Advertisement The board will assess whether the brothers pose an 'unreasonable risk of danger to society' if released, considering factors like criminal history, motivation for the crime, and signs of remorse, behavior while in prison, and plans for the future, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Even if the board grants their parole, it could still be months before the brothers walk free — if at all. If the board grants each brother's parole, the chief legal counsel has 120 days to review the case. 5 Erik (right) and Lyle (left) Menendez were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison for fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. AP Then Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has 30 days to affirm or deny the parole. Only then, if Newsom affirms the parole, would the Menendez brothers be able to leave prison. Advertisement Newsom had previously ordered the state parole board to conduct a risk assessment of the brothers in response to a clemency request. At the time, he emphasized that the key question was whether the brothers posed an 'unreasonable risk to public safety.' Read more on the Menendez brothers' case He noted at a May news conference that he has both approved and rejected decisions by the parole board before and that he was the 'ultimate arbiter.' 5 Menendez brothers, Erik, left, and Lyle, on the steps of their Beverly Hills home in November 1989. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Advertisement The brothers' lawyer, Mark Geragos, sought release last month for Erik Menendez after he was hospitalized for a 'serious medical condition.' He has since returned to prison. The case has captured the attention of true crime enthusiasts for decades and spawned documentaries, television specials and dramatizations. The Netflix drama ' Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story ' and the documentary 'The Menendez Brothers,' both released in 2024, have been credited for bringing new attention to the brothers. Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters In the last year, weigh-ins from celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and a greater recognition of the brothers as victims of sexual abuse have helped amass a legion of supporters who have called for their release. Some have flown to Los Angeles over the past few months, holding rallies and attending court hearings as the brothers' attorneys pushed for their resentencing. 5 Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave the courtroom in Santa Monica, Calif., Aug. 6, 1990, after a judge ruled that conversations between the two brothers and their psychologist after their parents were slain coudl be used as evidence in their murder case. ASSOCIATED PRESS The previous LA County district attorney, George Gascón, first opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for fellow people in prison, his office said in a petition. Advertisement The judge's decision to ultimately resentence the brothers followed months of pushback from current prosecutors, who argued the brothers hadn't taken adequate responsibility for their crimes. 5 Erik (L) and Lyle (R) Menendez converse in the courtroom during a hearing in Los Angeles on February 2, 1995. AFP via Getty Images The Menendez brothers still have a pending habeas corpus petition filed in May 2023 seeking a review of their convictions based on new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father. Last month, a different judge ordered Los Angeles prosecutors to explain why their case shouldn't be reexamined. Advertisement The state corrections department has selected one media representative to view the proceedings virtually and share notes with the rest of the press at set intervals.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Jelly Roll's wife Bunnie XO body slams him amid 200-pound weight loss
Jelly Roll and his wife are opting for some marital martial arts. The country star, who recently revealed a drastic 200-pound weight loss, was caught by surprise in a video posted by his wife, Bunnie XO, which showed her body-slamming him. Bunnie, whose legal name is Alyssa DeFord, jokingly captioned the post, "When you have to check and make sure he's still your squish after all the weight loss." In the video, after Jelly Roll's initial surprise, he invited her to repeat the move, feigning hurt when she landed on his chest, and eventually settling into an embrace. Jelly Roll reveals 200-pound weight loss, jokes about joining the NFL DeFord's joke arrives on the heels of a weight-loss revelation by her husband. Jelly Roll, a genre-bending country and rap star, recently told Tennessee Titans players during a pep talk that he was down 200 pounds, and joked about joining the NFL team if he dropped a few more. "I can't get on the field," he joked, but added that he was "close," in a video shared to X. "I lost 200 pounds. I told coach I'm getting a contract if I lose another 50," the singer said. Jelly Roll album 'Beautifully Broken' exposes regrets, struggle for redemption: Review In April, the musician also told crowds at a Pittsburgh show that he was working toward a dream date with his wife. "I started at 540 pounds, I'm 357 pounds this morning, baby," he said at the time. "I'm going to lose another 100 pounds and go skydiving with my wife in Sweden, baby." DeFord and Jelly Roll, who first tied the knot in 2016, revealed last year that they hoped to expand their family. (Jelly Roll has two children from a previous relationship.) In a 2024 appearance on the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast, the singer revealed that he had been inspired to lose weight in part by the desire to live a long and healthy life for his children. "My wife and I are talking about having a baby, and it really made me realize, at almost 40, I was like, 'That means I've got to live 'til at least 60. I've got to see this kid into college,'" he said. Contributing: Jay Stahl
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Moving to a new home or school can stress kids out. How to make it more manageable
NEW YORK (AP) — Summer can be a time of big transitions for kids. It's often the season for moving to a new home or preparing for a different school. And that brings worry and stress. Parents and families can help make things feel more manageable. If kids feel supported, they might even look forward to some of the changes and gain confidence, experts say. 'When routines, familiar places and even knowing where things are in the house are suddenly gone, it forces youth to relearn their daily lives from scratch,' which can be stressful, says Victoria Kress, a professional counselor and president of the American Counseling Association. At the same time, 'this can invite exciting opportunities for growth," she says. Author Nadine Haruni's book 'Freeda the Frog is on the Move' aims to help school-age kids deal with moving. Haruni, who guided her own family through moves and changes, tells the story of a mother frog who helps her little tadpoles adjust as they leave their hometown and settle in a new one. 'It's really important to recognize that transitions take time and that is totally normal. It's OK to feel nervous and sad and anxious and maybe all of those things all at once, and even adults feel that way sometimes,' says Haruni. 'If you listen, you might be surprised. What matters to a child is not always what you might think it is,' she says. Haruni's book was inspired by her family's big, multifaceted transition. She was moving from Manhattan to New Jersey with her then-5-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son, and getting married all in the same week, a big transition for her kids and three teenage stepdaughters. In addition, the kids were starting at a new school the following week. 'The kids were very sad and worried at first. Life is about change, and it's really hard to address that sometimes. Luckily, the kids discovered that they loved having more space and, like the tadpoles in the book, they happily adapted,' she says. Here are some tips to reduce the stress of a move or other big transition for kids: Talk it out 'Communicating and listening can alleviate a lot of anxiety,' Haruni says. 'Let kids share their feelings and know that they are being heard, so they know that they matter. That really helps them feel like they have some control.' Explain why a move is necessary, and preview what's ahead. Discuss the destination ahead of time, especially its good points. Familiarity can help kids feel more confident, the experts say. Even sharing some photos or a map is helpful in easing jitters. 'Can they meet a few kids in the new neighborhood ahead of time?" Haruni asks. Involve kids in the move itself 'Involving children in age-appropriate moving tasks — such as packing their own belongings or helping to choose new room decorations — can give them a sense of control and security during an uncertain time," says Kress. Kids can help plan meals, organize their space or continue family traditions. 'Frame it as an adventure," says Haruni. "Let them help choose things for their new room if they are moving, but also bring a few items that feel familiar and comforting." Keep up daily routines Sticking to some daily routines creates structure when things feel new and scary. 'The thing with moves is they disrupt everyone's life. Too much change at once discombobulates everybody, so keeping meals at the same time and bedtime rituals the same can really help a lot,' says George M. Kapalka, a clinical psychologist and professor at the California School of Professional Psychology. Arrange common areas similarly to how they were before the move, says Kress. Place favorite toys, blankets or pictures where your child expects to find them. Consider getting help from a professional Adapting to change takes time, and patience. Let kids know that's normal, that they will get through it, and that they are being heard and have some control over things, says Haruni. And know when to seek help. 'Some sadness, worry, or adjustment difficulties are normal after a move. But if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, worsen over time, or disrupt daily life, then counseling is advisable,' says Kress.
