Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday granted a pardon to country music star Jelly Roll, formally forgiving the Nashville native’s past criminal convictions and marking a milestone in the artist’s long journey from incarceration to national prominence and public advocacy.
Jelly Roll, whose legal name is Jason Deford, was among 33 people pardoned by Lee in a round of clemency decisions issued ahead of the Christmas season. The Republican governor’s office said the musician’s application received the same months-long review as others and was supported by a unanimous, nonbinding recommendation from the state parole board earlier this year.
The pardon acknowledges Deford’s efforts to rebuild his life after convictions that included robbery and drug-related felonies. He has spoken publicly for years about his experiences with addiction, incarceration, and recovery, often addressing people in prisons, concert audiences, and policymakers. He has also testified before Congress about the dangers of fentanyl and the role drug trafficking plays in addiction and community harm.
Under Tennessee law, a pardon does not erase a conviction or release someone from prison, but serves as an official statement of forgiveness for individuals who have completed their sentences. It can restore certain civil rights, including voting rights, subject to legal limitations. Deford has said receiving a pardon would also ease international travel for concert tours and missionary work by reducing visa and entry restrictions.
Deford’s most serious offenses date back to his youth. At 17, he was convicted in a robbery involving armed accomplices and served a year in prison along with probation. Several years later, he was arrested on drug charges after authorities found marijuana and crack cocaine in his vehicle, resulting in years of court supervision.
Since then, he has built a successful music career rooted in themes of accountability, sobriety and perseverance. He broke into mainstream country music with his 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” and has earned multiple industry honors, including CMT and CMA awards and several Grammy nominations.
Support for Deford’s pardon came from friends, civic leaders and law enforcement officials, including the Davidson County sheriff, who cited the artist’s personal transformation and outreach to incarcerated individuals. Business leaders also pointed to his charitable giving to organizations serving at-risk youth.
Source: Billboard