Jelly Roll debuts a clean-shaven look after 10 years, revealing it after major weight loss and sharing why he chose a natural path in his transformation.
Jelly Roll has officially unveiled his bold new look after shaving his beard for the first time in a decade.
The country star, 40, debuted the transformation in an Instagram video posted on Thursday, Nov. 20, marking a milestone moment in his ongoing personal evolution.
The dramatic change was first hinted at by his wife, Bunnie Xo, who teased fans on Nov. 13 by sharing snippets of Jelly Roll shaving his facial hair in stages — from a goatee to a “cop stache” and ultimately going completely clean-shaven.
“I have never seen this man without his facial hair. Not one freaking time,” she said in her video, adding that she encouraged the reveal to show off his slimmer face and newly defined jawline.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, explained that he originally kept his beard out of insecurity surrounding his weight.
Now, after losing nearly 200 lbs. from his highest weight of 550 lbs., he says he’s comfortable enough to try something new — even joking that he now resembles a “Ninja Turtle.”
The Grammy-nominated singer has been open about his transformation journey, sharing that he kickstarted major lifestyle changes in 2022. By prioritizing exercise and healthier eating, he dropped 110 lbs. within two years.
He told PEOPLE that he once built his touring culture around alcohol and drugs, but his team now focuses on good nutrition, fitness, and emotional check-ins while on the road.
Jelly Roll also revealed why he hasn’t used Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications that many celebrities have turned to for weight loss.
He said he was “afraid” of potential side effects, particularly acid reflux, and wanted fans to know his progress has been natural — not because he opposes the medication, but because the risk made him uncomfortable. “If it helps you, go get it,” he said.
With his new look and healthier lifestyle, Jelly Roll continues to show fans he’s embracing change — inside and out.
