Additional Coverage:
- Jelly Roll Reveals He ‘Quietly’ Attends Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: ‘I’m Not a Textbook Sober Guy’ (usmagazine.com)
Jelly Roll has shared insights about his ongoing commitment to health and sobriety, including his participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. The country musician, whose real name is Jason DeFord, discussed his health strategies in a recent interview with The New York Times, published on Saturday, August 17.
During the conversation, Jelly Roll explained that an unreleased track titled “Winning Streak,” from his upcoming album “Beautifully Broken,” reflects his AA experiences. The song portrays a real-life story he witnessed, providing a personal glimpse into the struggles he addresses in these meetings.
Jelly Roll has been open about his past battles with addiction and substance abuse. Despite not achieving complete sobriety, as he occasionally drinks and is a self-proclaimed marijuana user, he finds pivotal support in AA meetings. He describes his presence at meetings as quiet and reflective, focusing on the messages rather than sharing his own story.
His commitment to steering clear of life-threatening drugs remains firm. Jelly Roll expressed his respect for the AA program and its members, emphasizing his discretion in discussing his attendance to avoid overshadowing the efforts of those achieving full sobriety.
In another interview with Taste of Country, published on May 24, Jelly Roll credited marijuana with keeping him away from more dangerous substances and helping him manage anxiety.
Before achieving fame in the country music scene, Jelly Roll’s life included incarceration for drug dealing. It was during his time in prison that he learned of his daughter Bailee Ann’s birth.
This life-changing news motivated him to earn his GED and seek a better path. Upon his release, when Bailee was two years old, he dedicated himself to avoiding harmful drugs and advocating for solutions to the opioid crisis.
In January, Jelly Roll spoke before the U.S. Senate supporting the bipartisan Fend Off Fentanyl Act. He shared his past as a problem contributor and his current commitment to being part of the solution against the ongoing drug crisis endangering communities.