Jelly Roll Opens Up About Weight Loss Journey and Country Music Acceptance

Country music sensation Jelly Roll recently shared insights into his ongoing weight loss journey and the profound impact the country music community has had on his life. Speaking at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, the "Save Me" singer was candid about the challenges he’s faced and the relationships he’s forged within the genre.

The Battle at the Dinner Table

Jelly Roll, who has reportedly lost nearly 200 pounds, identified his relationship with food as the biggest obstacle in his weight loss efforts. He emphasized that while exercise is beneficial, the true battle against obesity begins at the dinner table.

"Food, man," he told Fox News Digital at the ACM Awards. "If you’re really battling obesity, you got to start at the dinner table, man. The walking’s great, all the other stuff’s great, but you got to fight that addiction at the dinner table."

He likened his food addiction to his past struggles with drug addiction, highlighting the need to change his perspective on food after nearly four decades of unhealthy habits. He told People magazine last year, "I’ve never had a healthy relationship with food, so that was the hard part. But once you get into that discipline and commitment, it’s like an avalanche. Once that little snowball started rolling, it was on its way."

In October 2024, Jelly Roll’s trainer shared a video on Instagram celebrating a significant milestone in his weight loss journey. "We just passed the halfway point of the tour, and Jelly’s been crushing it," the trainer said. "We’re either walking [around] the arena, playing basketball, boxing. He just surpassed his 100-pound weight loss."

Embracing the Country Music Community

Beyond his personal health journey, Jelly Roll expressed immense gratitude for the acceptance and support he’s received from the country music community. He described feeling overwhelmed by the relationships he’s built within the genre.

"I am struggling to walk around the carpet because I have built so many relationships in this genre," he told Fox News Digital. "I mean, I’m hugging camera guys… I am looking at Cody Johnson… publishers… the Dallas station that gave me one of my first interviews ever on a radio station… I’m overwhelmed. I’m overwhelmed, to be honest."

He shared an anecdote about staying at the same hotel for three consecutive ACM Awards, noting the significant increase in friends and acquaintances visiting him each year. He specifically mentioned forming a friendship with Jason Aldean after they happened to be staying next to each other last year. "I remember last year, me and Jason Aldean pretty much became friends by staying next to each other and just hung out all night," he said.

ACM Awards Appearance and Nominations

Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie Xo, made a stylish appearance on the red carpet at the 60th annual ACM Awards, which were streamed live on Amazon Prime Video from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Jelly Roll sported a Western-inspired suit, while Bunnie Xo wowed in a brown and black lace floor-length gown.

The country music star was nominated in several prestigious categories at this year’s ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Male Artist of the Year. While he didn’t take home all the awards, his nominations underscored his growing influence and popularity within the country music scene.

Overcoming Adversity and Finding Success

Jelly Roll’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. He has openly discussed his past struggles with addiction and legal troubles, and his willingness to share his experiences has resonated with fans who appreciate his authenticity and vulnerability.

His weight loss journey is another testament to his determination and commitment to self-improvement. By confronting his food addiction head-on and embracing a healthier lifestyle, he has become an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

Jelly Roll’s success in country music is a remarkable achievement, considering his unconventional background and genre-bending sound. His ability to connect with audiences through his heartfelt lyrics and relatable stories has solidified his place as one of the most compelling artists in the industry today.

His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to overcome adversity and pursue your dreams. With hard work, dedication, and the support of a strong community, anything is possible. Jelly Roll’s journey is far from over, and his fans are eagerly anticipating what he will accomplish next. He continues to inspire, entertain, and redefine what it means to be a country music star.