Jelly Roll has received a pardon from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee over his past crimes.
The Son of a Sinner singer, real name Jason DeFord, has long been open about his involvement in criminal activity as a young man.
But on Thursday, Lee announced that he had granted a pardon to Jelly Roll in relation to his robbery and drug convictions dating back before 2010 in Davidson County following a year-long review of his 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 at a meeting held at his home, according to The Associated Press, referencing the Need a Favor artist’s success in the music industry and advocacy for giving people second chances.
In April, the state parole board made a unanimous recommendation for Jelly Roll’s pardon.
It grants the 41-year-old formal clemency from the state and will make it easier for him to travel internationally for his concert tours, as he currently has to apply for special permits.
Jelly Roll has not yet publicly commented on the pardon.
Though while addressing the Tennessee Board of Parole earlier this year, the Nashville native opened up about what the decision would mean to him.
“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.”
Previously, Jelly Roll has spoken candidly about his criminal past, revealing he was first arrested at the age of 14 and had been jailed more than 40 times for various drug charges until he cleaned up his act and pursued a career in music.
