Coverage dated December 17, 2025 to December 18, 2025
Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past
Headline from Local News 8
By The Associated Press Tennessee’s governor pardoned country star Jelly Roll on Thursday for his criminal past in the state, acknowledging the Nashville native’s long road back from drugs and prison through soul-searching, songwriting and advocacy for second chances.
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By The Associated Press Tennessee’s governor pardoned country star Jelly Roll on Thursday for his criminal past in the state, acknowledging the Nashville native’s long road back from drugs and prison through soul-searching, songwriting and advocacy for second chances.
Tennessee’s governor has pardoned country music star Jelly Roll, a Nashville native who for years has spoken about his criminal record and path to finding redemption.
Jelly Roll had said a pardon would make it easier for him to travel internationally for concert tours and to perform Christian missionary work without requiring burdensome paperwork.
Gov. Bill Lee granted the pardon for the rapper-turned-singer, whose real name is Jason Deford, citing the Grammy-nominated musician's long path to redemption and advocacy.
