Jelly Roll Delivers Emotional GRAMMYs Acceptance Speech, Honors Faith and Wife Bunnie XO: “Jesus Is for Everybody”

Jelly Roll delivered one of the most powerful and emotional moments of the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, using his acceptance speech to openly honor his faith, his wife Bunnie XO, and the life-changing power of redemption.

The 41-year-old artist, born Jason DeFord, earned his third career GRAMMY on Sunday, February 1, taking home the award for Best Contemporary Country Album for his deeply personal No. 1 project, Beautifully Broken.

A Historic Win and Emotional Moment on Stage

When Lainey Wilson and Jeff Goldblum announced Jelly Roll as the winner live on television, the Nashville-based artist immediately broke down in tears. He embraced his wife, Bunnie XO, shared a kiss with her, and hugged Reba McEntire before walking to the stage to accept his award.

Fighting emotion from the moment he began speaking, Jelly Roll acknowledged the strict time limits placed on GRAMMY speeches but pushed forward to say what mattered most to him.

“Jesus Is Jesus, and Anybody Can Have a Relationship With Him”

In a raw and heartfelt address, Jelly Roll openly expressed gratitude to God, his wife, and those who supported him throughout his journey.

“First of all, Jesus, I hear you, and I’m listening,” he said. “Second of all, I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would’ve never changed my life without you. I would’ve ended up dead or in jail. I thank you for saving my life.”

He went on to reflect on the personal pain that inspired Beautifully Broken, explaining that the album was written during a time when he felt lost and undeserving of a future.

“There was a time in my life when I was broken,” he said. “I didn’t think I had a chance.”

Jelly Roll closed his speech with a message that brought much of the audience to tears.

“Jesus is for everybody,” he said. “Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by a music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with him. I love you, Lord.”

Industry Reaction and Audience Response

The emotional speech visibly moved many in attendance, including Reba McEntire, Kelsea Ballerini, and numerous other artists seated in the audience. Social media quickly lit up with praise for Jelly Roll’s honesty, vulnerability, and refusal to shy away from sharing his faith on one of music’s biggest stages.

Success of Beautifully Broken

Released on October 11, 2024, Beautifully Broken debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking Jelly Roll’s first chart-topping album in the United States. The project also reached No. 1 on the UK Country Albums chart and produced hit singles including “I Am Not Okay,” “Heart of Stone,” and “Liar.”

Other nominees in the category included Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Tyler Childers, and Kelsea Ballerini.

 

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A Defining GRAMMYs Moment

The 2026 GRAMMY Awards featured major performances, tributes, and a star-studded lineup, but Jelly Roll’s acceptance speech stood out as one of the night’s most unforgettable moments. His message of faith, survival, and second chances resonated far beyond the ceremony itself.

Jelly Roll’s journey—from incarceration and despair to faith, family, and GRAMMY success—continues to inspire fans around the world, proving that redemption and hope remain possible, even from the darkest places.