Jelly Roll and his wife Bunnie Xo sure know how to throw a Thanksgiving bash that breaks all the traditions—by turning it into a full-blown celebration.
On a recent episode of Bunnie’s Dumb Blonde podcast, the 44-year-old opened up about the holiday festivities that involved a house packed with 50-60 guests, karaoke, dancing, and—of course—some special pumpkin pie-flavored Jell-O shots. The DeFord family has made it a yearly tradition to host a festive gathering, and this year was no exception, though they had to adjust the schedule a bit.
“Thanksgiving is our time to let loose!” Bunnie shared, revealing that they’d delayed their celebration due to Jelly Roll’s performance commitments. The couple celebrated Thanksgiving a bit late, as Jelly was busy performing in Texas at the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys game. Despite the delay, Bunnie emphasized how much she loves hosting the annual Thanksgiving event. “Bailee looks forward to it every year,” she said, referring to their 16-year-old daughter.
While Bunnie and her co-hosts, Meme Shahan and Hailee Clark, described a Thanksgiving that was a mix of fun and chaos, Jelly Roll was busy performing with Lainey Wilson at the football game. The surprise duet of “Save Me” during halftime was a highlight of the event, cementing the star’s Thanksgiving performance in Texas as a memorable one.
When it came to the family’s home celebration, the vibe was lighthearted and carefree. Jelly’s daughter Bailee got the party started with some Kendrick Lamar and Young Dolph tracks, much to Bunnie’s excitement. “That’s my girl!” Bunnie exclaimed as Bailee rapped along to the tunes. The proud mom dubbed her daughter “baby Roll,” a nickname that surely made Jelly smile.
Bunnie also shared her secret to a successful Thanksgiving gathering—pumpkin pie-flavored Jell-O shots. “That’s how you keep the party going,” she quipped. And it wasn’t just about the drinks and music—Bunnie appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, where no one was glued to their phones. “Nobody tried to take advantage of the moment,” she said, noting how everyone simply enjoyed the evening without worrying about social media.
“I still haven’t posted about Thanksgiving. That’s so unlike me,” Bunnie confessed, revealing how precious these private moments have become for the couple. “We don’t get a lot of them, and when we do, it’s just beautiful.”
After wrapping up his grueling Beautifully Broken tour, Jelly Roll’s Thanksgiving was a time for him to unwind and reflect on his remarkable journey. The country music sensation has been riding a wave of success, and during a heartfelt Instagram video, he expressed his gratitude for the year’s accomplishments.
“It’s been a crazy couple of years,” Jelly shared, with a candid message to his fans. “I never dreamed this is how this would shake out.” The 40-year-old singer also teased a little social media detox, saying he planned to go “phoneless” for a few months. “I’m throwing this phone out the window tonight,” he laughed, signaling a well-deserved break after his 58-show tour.
The DeFord family’s Thanksgiving tradition continues to be a blend of fun and cherished moments. This year, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo turned their home into the ultimate celebration, with music, food, and plenty of laughs. Whether it was Bailee’s rap performance or Bunnie’s famous Jell-O shots, this Thanksgiving was one to remember for all the right reasons.
With the spotlight on their busy lives, it’s clear that Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo prioritize family time and living in the moment—something fans of the couple will no doubt continue to admire. After a whirlwind year of success, it’s no wonder that the couple took the opportunity to unplug, relax, and enjoy time with those they love most.
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