Jelly Roll, one of the top names in country music, should be pardoned for his past robbery and drug possession convictions, the Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously determined on Tuesday.
The decision now rests with Gov. Bill Lee.
Jelly Roll, 40, a Tennessee native whose real name is Jason DeFord, started his career as a rapper but rose to prominence in 2023 with his country album “Whitsitt Chapel” and its popular songs “Save Me” and “Need a Favor.” He was named the best new artist at the Country Music Association Awards that year and has been nominated for four Grammys. His most recent album, “Beautifully Broken,” reached No. 1 on the charts.