Country music artist Jelly Roll faced a harrowing experience as his private jet was compelled to make an emergency landing en route to the CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, stirred concerns among fans and followers as Jelly Roll‘s wife, Bunnie XO, took to TikTok to share the unsettling news.
In a series of TikTok videos, Bunnie XO detailed the frightening ordeal, narrating how the private jet abruptly stopped mid-air due to a malfunction, necessitating an immediate emergency landing.
“When the private jet you’re in just stopped mid-air, turned around & said we had to emergency land because of a malfunction,”
Bunnie XO shared in her video, expressing her distress.
Despite the tension and uncertainty surrounding the situation, Bunnie XO maintained her composure, updating her followers an hour later that the plane had successfully landed. However, there was still apprehension as she hinted at the possibility of boarding the same plane again.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, and his wife were en route from Nashville, Tennessee, to attend the prestigious CMT Music Awards, where the acclaimed artist had garnered three nominations.
This unexpected turn of events occurred just one month after Jelly Roll underwent reconstructive surgery on his mouth, replacing his long-standing veneers, a procedure that was also documented on TikTok.
In the behind-the-scenes documentation shared on TikTok, Bunnie captured Jelly Roll’s candid reflections on his dental procedure. “I’ve had these same veneers for 20 years. I’m finally getting them replaced, and I’m getting some implants and getting some cavities and wisdom teeth pulled out. I’m doing a lot of s—,” Jelly Roll remarked.
Accompanied by the hashtag #jellyandbunnie, Bunnie shared the intimate moment, portraying Jelly Roll’s journey with authenticity.
Jelly Roll added, “I’m getting complete mouth reconstructive surgery, kinda,” highlighting the comprehensive nature of the procedure. Notably, he shared how the transformation made him feel, noting, “My new teeth make me feel ‘sexy.'”
Expressing his satisfaction with the progress, Jelly Roll shared with his dentist, “I’m feeling great, man. I feel like I’m finally taking care of stuff.”
The 39-year-old musician, known for his candidness about his past struggles with substance abuse, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years.
From testifying before U.S. lawmakers on the dangers of fentanyl to using his platform to inspire positive change, Jelly Roll has emerged as a beacon of resilience and redemption in the country music scene.
Reflecting on his journey, Jelly Roll remarked, “I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for what I went through. I think it empowered me. I think it gave me my voice. It taught me a lot about overcoming. It taught me a lot about change and the ability to change.” Jelly Roll told during the 2023 CMA Awards.
“I was a horrible human for decades, and to just be able to turn that around and give a message in the music and help people… and just try to give back as much as I can in every way I can is very indicative of where I came from and how important it is to me always to reach back,” he said.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Jelly Roll remains committed to spreading messages of hope and perseverance through his music.
As the country star and his team regroup following the unexpected turbulence, fans and well-wishers await updates on their safe arrival at the CMT Music Awards. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life on the road, underscoring the importance of gratitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO met in 2015 and impulsively got engaged and married in Las Vegas just a year later. Bunnie has embraced her role as stepmom to Jelly Roll’s children and is a vocal supporter of his music career.
While they’ve faced challenges, including a brief separation in 2018, they seem to have emerged stronger. Their recent experience with the emergency plane landing highlights their ability to face difficulties together.
From Celebration to Emergency Landing
Just days before his private jet made a hair-raising emergency landing, Jelly Roll was basking in the afterglow of a triumphant night at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
On April 1st, Jelly Roll and his wife Bunnie XO took a trip down memory lane, visiting a bar that held special significance for their early days as a couple. This wasn’t just any bar; it was a place they frequented when their dreams were just beginning to take shape.
Bunnie XO shared a heartwarming video on social media, capturing the couple’s joy as they reminisced. “We came to this bar in 2016 when we first got together and had nothing but a dream,” Bunnie wrote in the TikTok video, which showed them singing along to “Old Time Rock & Roll” by Bob Seger.
The celebratory mood continued as Bunnie added, “Tonite, we came back to celebrate my baby being iHeartradio’s best POP & COUNTRY artist of the year!”
Jelly Roll’s impressive achievement was a testament to his genre-bending talent, and the iHeartRadio awards recognized his unique ability to bridge the gap between pop and country music. He wasn’t just a nominee that night; he walked away with two awards, solidifying his status as a rising star.
However, the celebratory atmosphere took an unexpected turn just a few days later when their private jet was forced into an emergency landing while en route to the 2024 CMT Music Awards. Bunnie XO documented the nerve-wracking experience on TikTok, offering fans a glimpse into the dramatic turn of events.
One thing’s for sure – this week has been a rollercoaster ride for Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, filled with both exhilarating highs and nerve-wracking lows.
Jelly Roll Sweeps CMT Awards, Thanks Wife Bunnie XO in Emotional Speech
Despite a Scary Plane Incident, Jelly Roll Takes Home Big Wins at CMT Awards
Jelly Roll emerged as the biggest winner at the 2024 CMT Music Awards on Sunday night, taking home trophies in all three categories he was nominated for, according to CNN.
The rapper-singer’s hit song “Need a Favor” secured him the prestigious Video of the Year award. He also won Male Video of the Year and CMT Performance of the Year.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Jelly Roll expressed his gratitude to his wife, Bunnie XO. “I am blessed to have you as a best friend; I am blessed to have you as a partner,” he declared. “You find beauty in broken things, and I love you.”
Jelly Roll: Life & Career
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jason Bradley DeFord |
| Stage Name | Jelly Roll (often stylized as JellyRoll) |
| Born | December 4, 1984 |
| Location | Antioch, Tennessee, USA |
| Genre(s) | Hip hop, Country Rap, Country Rock, Country, Southern Hip Hop |
| Career Start | 2003 |
| Early Success | Mixtapes like “The Plain Shmear Tape” (2003) and “Gamblin’ on the White Boy” series (2004-2011) |
| Collaboration | “Pop Another Pill” with Lil Wyte (2010) |
| Genre Shift | Transition from Hip Hop to Country Music |
| Breakthrough Single | “Son of a Sinner” (2021) |
| Accolades | |
| * Grammy Nomination – Best New Artist (2021) | |
| * 3 CMT Music Awards (2023) – Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, Breakthrough Male Video of the Year (for “Son of a Sinner”) | |
| * 3 CMT Music Awards (2024) – Male Video of the Year, CMT Performance of the Year, Video of the Year (for “Need A Favor”) | |
| * Country Music Association Award – New Artist of the Year (2023) | |
| * iHeartRadio Music Award – Best New Country Artist (2023) | |
| Famous for | |
| * Public advocacy for anti-fentanyl legislation (2024) | |
| * Known for his down-to-earth demeanor and relatable lyrics |
Wrapping Up
Though his flight to the CMT Awards took an unexpected detour due to technical issues, Jelly Roll landed a major win on Sunday. He claimed the Male Video of the Year award for his song “Need A Favor.”
This turn of events perfectly encapsulates the spirit that has propelled Jelly Roll to success. His music often grapples with overcoming adversity, and this real-life incident stands as a testament to his resilience.
Facing a potential travel disaster, he maintained his composure and emerged victorious on the biggest stage of his career. The 2024 CMT Awards will undoubtedly be a night Jelly Roll never forgets, not just for the awards themselves but for the dramatic journey that led him there.