Jelly Roll gets pardoned from drug and robbery charges
- - Jelly Roll gets pardoned from drug and robbery charges
Evan Mealins and Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean December 18, 2025 at 9:27 PM
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The Tennessee governor announced he will be granting pardons to 33 people, one of them including country music star and beloved Nashville native, Jelly Roll.
Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday, Dec. 18, pardoned the country megastar, whose real name is Jason DeFord, for a pair of pre-2010 felony convictions in Davidson County, Tennessee.
The pardon is official forgiveness from the state for the musician whose lyrics and public image focus heavily on his incarceration, rehabilitation and growth.
Lee called Jelly Roll's story remarkable, redemptive and powerful. "It was evident to me that this is a man who should get a pardon," Lee said during a call with reporters, per the Nashville Tennessean, a part of the USA TODAY Network.
Jelly Roll hosts the Opry NextStage: Live From Texas concert at Legacy Hall in Plano, Texas, Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Jelly Roll petitioned for a pardon in 2024, pointing to how his convictions had created logistical issues and inconveniences in worldwide touring. He also opened up about the pending pardon with podcaster Joe Rogan in December, telling Rogan how the charges had kept him from hunting and owning a gun.
Lee said it was important that Jelly Roll's pardon application "would be treated the same as every single person that asks for clemency."
Why did Jelly Roll receive a pardon?
The 41-year-old was convicted in 2003 of felony robbery after he committed a robbery while unarmed with two unarmed men and a woman. They took $350, and he was sentenced to serve a year in prison and additional probation.
In 2008, Nashville police officers found crack cocaine and marijuana in his vehicle, resulting in a sentence of eight years of court-ordered supervision after he was convicted of felony drug possession.
But he'd been arrested for plenty of other offenses, although most no longer appear in online court records in Davidson County. He told Rogan he had been put in jail 40 times.
While the pardon will not wipe Jelly Roll's record clean, it is a prerequisite for getting his record expunged.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, an annual tradition that signals the start of the holiday season, arrived live on NBC and Peacock Wednesday night, complete with performances from Brad Paisley, Laufey and Michael Bublé. Country icon Reba McEntire is serving as host, aided by NBC "TODAY" anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. Follow along for the best photos of the night, from the stars to the lights, starting with McEntire performing on Dec. 3, 2025.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>It's Midtown Manhattan at its most lit.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, an annual tradition that signals the start of the holiday season, arrived live on NBC and Peacock Wednesday night, complete with performances from Brad Paisley, Laufey and Michael Bublé. Country icon Reba McEntire is serving as host, aided by NBC "TODAY" anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. Follow along for the best photos of the night, from the stars to the lights, starting with McEntire performing on Dec. 3, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7mGRgg.JgKH.Y4yc3QGziA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4237b49a3a01e8fa3384d7ca7b60e7d9 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
It's Midtown Manhattan at its most lit.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, an annual tradition that signals the start of the holiday season, arrived live on NBC and Peacock Wednesday night, complete with performances from Brad Paisley, Laufey and Michael Bublé. Country icon Reba McEntire is serving as host, aided by NBC "TODAY" anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. Follow along for the best photos of the night, from the stars to the lights, starting with McEntire performing on Dec. 3, 2025.
">It's Midtown Manhattan at its most lit.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, an annual tradition that signals the start of the holiday season, arrived live on NBC and Peacock Wednesday night, complete with performances from Brad Paisley, Laufey and Michael Bublé. Country icon Reba McEntire is serving as host, aided by NBC "TODAY" anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. Follow along for the best photos of the night, from the stars to the lights, starting with McEntire performing on Dec. 3, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7mGRgg.JgKH.Y4yc3QGziA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4237b49a3a01e8fa3384d7ca7b60e7d9 class=caas-img>Reba McEntire and Kristin Chenoweth perform during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hs1HHCN4uw4a16avZV2dpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/244a7a27f74eeededd739c71e512bed6 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Reba McEntire and Kristin Chenoweth perform during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
">Reba McEntire and Kristin Chenoweth perform during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hs1HHCN4uw4a16avZV2dpQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/244a7a27f74eeededd739c71e512bed6 class=caas-img>The Radio City Rockettes perform for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gn2Azc2qjmAC_.Lq9rAzCw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aaf2a24e972d8ea8f43fc0ed40a0f466 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
The Radio City Rockettes perform for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.
">The Radio City Rockettes perform for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gn2Azc2qjmAC_.Lq9rAzCw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aaf2a24e972d8ea8f43fc0ed40a0f466 class=caas-img>The Christmas tree is lit during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RsNEBfJTp.OrXW490l2UFw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bf4fc5f0efcc358a1805894a73af71ff class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
The Christmas tree is lit during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025.
">The Christmas tree is lit during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RsNEBfJTp.OrXW490l2UFw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bf4fc5f0efcc358a1805894a73af71ff class=caas-img>Kristin Chenoweth performs during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/39XnfWrrrnv2_sDoSG4qFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0bc2e3aa374148c87b14d97534bf7007 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Kristin Chenoweth performs during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
">Kristin Chenoweth performs during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/39XnfWrrrnv2_sDoSG4qFg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0bc2e3aa374148c87b14d97534bf7007 class=caas-img>Carly Pearce and Michael Bublé perform during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Qn5oPehGTaIOzGlJSnpFJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1355ff4028504cd512c8dbad4603d89d class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Carly Pearce and Michael Bublé perform during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
">Carly Pearce and Michael Bublé perform during the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Qn5oPehGTaIOzGlJSnpFJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1355ff4028504cd512c8dbad4603d89d class=caas-img>Halle Bailey
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kmgNrleD2qCbWHvWyxn7BA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/89d05d475d04b05a05013f80ae2447a9 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Halle Bailey
">Halle Bailey
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kmgNrleD2qCbWHvWyxn7BA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/89d05d475d04b05a05013f80ae2447a9 class=caas-img>Gwen Stefani
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kY9mTT5Xj3r79689P0Frog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e5b30db892c3d3e89baeb341391e26f class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Gwen Stefani
">Gwen Stefani
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kY9mTT5Xj3r79689P0Frog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e5b30db892c3d3e89baeb341391e26f class=caas-img>Brad Paisley
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FMb9w952iV1WAtMiR0sR_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54acfd95e70d01818bb578ead118d81e class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Brad Paisley
">Brad Paisley
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FMb9w952iV1WAtMiR0sR_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54acfd95e70d01818bb578ead118d81e class=caas-img>The Radio City Rockettes
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G.e02bmrxgNWJqRGBuk9Ag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a1dddb38d9f5fd3b07b1880e62c3bce3 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
The Radio City Rockettes
">The Radio City Rockettes
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/G.e02bmrxgNWJqRGBuk9Ag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a1dddb38d9f5fd3b07b1880e62c3bce3 class=caas-img>New Edition
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6XJuFUv0LCjCd_XauNSuaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4e300e2f421078f20125346588f204f9 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
New Edition
">New Edition
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6XJuFUv0LCjCd_XauNSuaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4e300e2f421078f20125346588f204f9 class=caas-img>Reba McEntire
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/czHN3h1fJmItHMqhPTPbJg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/60e2baffb7e64b6aa0635d60f6cc3f85 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Reba McEntire
">Reba McEntire
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/czHN3h1fJmItHMqhPTPbJg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/60e2baffb7e64b6aa0635d60f6cc3f85 class=caas-img>Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Craig Melvin
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NJt.ypoOYAxIPyKkeI.bHg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d41a08fee9575d89c6efea03d8fab522 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Craig Melvin
">Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Craig Melvin
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NJt.ypoOYAxIPyKkeI.bHg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d41a08fee9575d89c6efea03d8fab522 class=caas-img>New Edition
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ehwR5DS.gncDh.2cLgbHPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e52268dd0c49c2e5e130c54658672c41 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
New Edition
">New Edition
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ehwR5DS.gncDh.2cLgbHPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e52268dd0c49c2e5e130c54658672c41 class=caas-img>Laufey
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5SGoA.9hguxcoX77SF3mrQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/792e862c60ec662223782d62bbac2269 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Laufey
">Laufey
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5SGoA.9hguxcoX77SF3mrQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/792e862c60ec662223782d62bbac2269 class=caas-img>Marc Anthony
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lHhI_Nkh8YaS0jY1XjGL0g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/43bcfb738fb6418ae257efde7c186919 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Marc Anthony
">Marc Anthony
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lHhI_Nkh8YaS0jY1XjGL0g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/43bcfb738fb6418ae257efde7c186919 class=caas-img>Reba McEntire
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zkdz1MLQR3RFx2j9k0o6Qw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/11e0ca5f5fb3f24c12d5e38eb85fa576 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Reba McEntire
">Reba McEntire
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zkdz1MLQR3RFx2j9k0o6Qw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/11e0ca5f5fb3f24c12d5e38eb85fa576 class=caas-img>Laufey
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B626ldcelyGR86ifSzweew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c565c338cb42a800ffff2f44bf29da62 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Laufey
">Laufey
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B626ldcelyGR86ifSzweew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c565c338cb42a800ffff2f44bf29da62 class=caas-img>Marc Anthony
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pneAzzZHAetqpD2izHtoaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dae7eb632666ed5bfd1e5c49aaaef1d1 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Marc Anthony
">Marc Anthony
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pneAzzZHAetqpD2izHtoaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dae7eb632666ed5bfd1e5c49aaaef1d1 class=caas-img>Reba McEntire
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Lue23Yu2iW76pSnb1WQp5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/869caaff248b1f54f5b4763ca21599bd class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Reba McEntire
">Reba McEntire
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Lue23Yu2iW76pSnb1WQp5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/869caaff248b1f54f5b4763ca21599bd class=caas-img>Halle Bailey
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pOGDZ6K4yJkO9S0W8v5qzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e5ffb2cbc59268ba9ec7a30e39153734 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
Halle Bailey
">Halle Bailey
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pOGDZ6K4yJkO9S0W8v5qzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e5ffb2cbc59268ba9ec7a30e39153734 class=caas-img>
People take photos near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hours before it will be lit.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vz2SH3bMzr0V9FuOemqWPA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9fef22d2a1972b1294d997006930fab1 class=caas-img data-headline="Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree" data-caption="
People take photos near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hours before it will be lit.
">People take photos near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree hours before it will be lit.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vz2SH3bMzr0V9FuOemqWPA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9fef22d2a1972b1294d997006930fab1 class=caas-img>
1 / 24Kristin Chenoweth, Gwen Stefani and more light up Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
It's Midtown Manhattan at its most lit.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, an annual tradition that signals the start of the holiday season, arrived live on NBC and Peacock Wednesday night, complete with performances from Brad Paisley, Laufey and Michael Bublé. Country icon Reba McEntire is serving as host, aided by NBC "TODAY" anchors Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Savannah Guthrie. Follow along for the best photos of the night, from the stars to the lights, starting with McEntire performing on Dec. 3, 2025.
In April, the Tennessee Board of Pardons and Parole recommended granting a pardon to Jelly Roll.
The singer's effort to move past his criminal record was championed by the man who once locked him up.
Jelly Roll has 'changed his life around'
Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall has been an outspoken supporter of Jelly Roll and has corroborated the country star's rehabilitation and emotional growth during his incarceration. Hall even spoke at the parole board hearing in favor of granting him a pardon, posting a photo of him and Jelly Roll hugging after the hearing.
"I like the fact that he has changed his life around," Hall said. "He has a chance to rehabilitate a generation. He can cry on stage, and say 'I'm not ok.' The lyrics are what people and what young people need to hear."
In April 2024, Hall wrote a letter to Gov. Lee on Jelly Roll's behalf. "I'm qualified to know the difference between talkers and walkers," Hall said. "He is a walker. I've never met anyone like him."
The Sheriff said he has been interested in Jelly Roll's story since Hall's son, Weston, now 23, sent him links to songs.
Jelly Roll pictured with Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall. Hall said the country music star is changing lives and music after the musician donated a semi truck full of toys to the Last Minute Toy Store.
"He sent me deep, dark lyrics," Hall said. "It was deep. I enjoyed listening to it. I remembered the song 'Save Me.'"
Not long after hearing Jelly Roll for the first time, Hall approved a film to be shot in the former Metro Detention Facility on Harding Place, where Jelly Roll was once housed.
The place was vacant by the time the film company wanted to use it. So Hall brought 150 inmates and had a stage built. Jelly Roll gave a concert to the inmates.
And Hall presented Jelly Roll with a key from that facility that the star has worn around his neck (with a necklace of small handcuffs) at shows across America. "I love his story," Hall said.
Jelly Roll performs during the first day of the iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sept. 19, 2025.Jelly Roll's pardon application included statements of support
Jelly Roll's pardon application included statements of support from other friends, civic leaders and numerous music industry executives, including Live Nation Entertainment CEO and President Michael Rapino, who noted how the artist has donated some of his concert earnings to at-risk youth in the past few years.
As Jelly Roll's success has grown, his conviction has remained an obstacle to jump over. To perform in Canada, for example, he must first receive a special permit that can include long wait times for a decision.
Now a global superstar with hits like "Need a Favor" and "Son of a Sinner," Jelly Roll has continued to support incarcerated people, from performing in Nashville's maximum-security prison, serving Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of people behind bars and opening a songwriting studio in Davidson County's juvenile detention facility.
He said in his application he was seeking a pardon to “to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible.”
Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jelly Roll gets pardoned from drug and robbery charges
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
