Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The country singer is a father to two children: 8-year-old Noah and 17-year-old Bailee Ann.
Jelly Roll is getting candid about his journey as a father after his release from jail.
During the March 3 episode of the SmartLess podcast, the All My Life singer, 40, spoke with hosts Jason Bateman, 56, Sean Hayes, 54, and Will Arnett, 54, about the challenges he faced in gaining visitation rights and building a relationship with his daughter, Bailee Ann, now 17.
“I got home when she was almost 2,” he recalled. “At the time, her mother—rightfully so, because I was a f—— criminal—wouldn’t let me see her. So I had to go to court and get supervised visits.”
He explained the slow process of earning more time with his daughter. “It started with six-hour visits on Friday evenings, but she had to be home before 10 p.m. I just had to keep going back to court every six months, proving I was changing,” he shared. “Back then, music and fame weren’t even on my mind—I just wanted to be a good dad.”
The proud father, who also has an 8-year-old son named Noah, reflected on his daughter’s journey and growth during the podcast.
“Fast forward, that same little girl who was born while I was incarcerated is about to turn 17,” he said. “She has one of the highest GPAs at her high school, is a dual enrollment student, and is already a junior in college. My wife and I have had full custody of her for eight years—she’s one of our best friends.”
Jelly Roll has often spoken about how the birth of his daughter in 2008 was a turning point in his life. At the time, he was in prison for drug dealing, but becoming a father gave him a new purpose.
“I could no longer be selfish—there was someone who depended entirely on me,” he told 105.7 The Point. “I knew that was a huge responsibility, and I wanted to take it seriously. And I did. To this day, I take it very seriously.”
In a November 2024 cover story with PEOPLE, Jelly Roll opened up about how his close-knit family has kept him grounded and focused on a brighter future, even as his rising stardom continues to reshape his world.
“I prioritize family, and that’s what anchors me down,” he shared. “Everything that I believe is going right for me comes from being deeply rooted in my family.”
While he admitted that his daughter isn’t thrilled about how his fame has cut into their quality time, she understands the positive impact it’s having on their family.
