Jelly Roll has been officially pardoned by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for crimes committed earlier in his life.
The Son of a Sinner artist, born Jason DeFord, has frequently spoken about his troubled past and his involvement in illegal activity during his youth.
On Thursday, Governor Lee confirmed that he had approved a pardon for Jelly Roll related to robbery and drug convictions from before 2010 in Davidson County, following a year long review of the application.
“His story is remarkable, and it's a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” the Governor told reporters during a gathering at his home, according to The Associated Press. He pointed to the Need a Favor singer’s rise in music and his work advocating for second chances.
Back in April, the Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously recommended that Jelly Roll be granted a pardon.
The decision provides the 41 year old with formal clemency from the state and is expected to simplify international travel for touring, as he has previously needed to secure special permissions to perform overseas.
Jelly Roll has yet to comment publicly on receiving the pardon.
However, earlier this year, while speaking before the Tennessee Board of Parole, the Nashville native shared what the ruling would represent for him personally.
“I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be to let them know that change is truly possible,” he told the board at the time. “One of the reasons I'm asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I'm looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world. I'll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s.”
In the past, Jelly Roll has been candid about his criminal history, revealing that he was first arrested at 14 years old and spent time in jail more than 40 times for drug related offenses before turning his life around and committing fully to music.
