Tennessee’s governor pardoned country star Jelly Roll on 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.
Jelly Roll’s convictions include robbery and drug felonies. He has said a pardon would make it easier for him to travel internationally for concert tours and to perform Christian missionary work without filling out burdensome paperwork.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Gov. Bill Lee told reporters.
2023 TESTIMONY: Singer Jelly Roll Reveals ‘Damascus Road’ Moment He Says Took Him From Drugs and Prison to the Top of the Charts – https://cbn.com/news/entertainment/singer-jelly-roll-reveals-damascus-road-moment-he-says-took-him-drugs-and-prison
(This photo provided by the office of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee shows the governor hugging country musician Jelly Roll on Dec. 18, 2025, at the Governor’s Mansion in Oak Hill, Tenn. (Brandon Hull/Office of Gov. Bill Lee via AP)
