After the death of their daugher Bailee Ann, country music star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) and his wife Bunnie XO are being hit with unimaginable heart break. For years, Bailee has been battling a rare genetic disorder, the couple confirmed with fans, adding that the devastating news has been kept quiet for some time.
They had waged no end of a battle to offer her the best care they could and although they had done that, it had gotten so bad that Jelly Roll and Bunnie were destroyed. In donating to the grieving parents, the music community as well as fans have rallied together to show the parents outpourings of love and support during this time.
Despite being such a short life, Bailee Ann Injected love and resilience. Many times Jelly Roll spoke of her strength, referring to her as his ‘little warrior’ as she took her turn to endure more than a dozen trips to the hospital and face medical trials with strength. Bailee was helped and raised by Bunnie XO, who often shared beautiful moments of their family’s journey as the love Bailee brought into their lives.
Words can’t fill the void in her passing and the couple have requested privacy as they come to terms with such a profound loss. Fans and fellow artists have taken to social media with tributes to Bailee, who was remembered for being the light she brought to those she surrounded herself with.
Jelly Roll’s music reflects his personal tragedy and hardships, and the tragedy has deeply affected him. He has also been open in emotional posts about the grief he feels, among other things, writing about the shock of losing a child and trying to find meaning in that loss.
Bunnie has spoken out as to how Bailee’s fight has inspired her to support families with similar medical battles. Many have paid attention to the emotional and financial strain of caring for a critically ill child through the couple’s raw honesty. The story has given rise to conversations around how better support systems ought to be in place for families in crisis.
While Jelly Roll and Bunnie mourn, they have gotten through the unbearable pain by remaining close to each other and their faith. Others, friends and musicians like Struggle Jennings and Brantley Gilbert have reached out to offer comfort.
Bailee’s family has set up memorials in her honor and donations go to organizations that help children with rare diseases, now a cause that’s really personal to the couple. But there’s nothing that will take away their sadness, the couple comforted themselves with the fact that Bailee is no longer suffering and the legacy she left behind will live on in the legacy she left behind though the advocacy they are doing.
Being a parent, the pain of loss is something no parent should have to endure, however Jelly Roll’s tragic tale reminds us how the chain of life is so short too. His fame and success had never made him indecent, and this tragedy is no less poignant because of it.
While the strength that the couple does show in the most devastating and heartbreaking of ways is all the way inspiring, fans continue to send prayers and support messages. Jelly Roll’s music, and the lives Bailee Ann touched will forever remind of her and the endless strength of love even in the blackest of days.