Jelly Roll overcomes with emotion as he recalls past struggles with drug addiction and the law during his CMA Fest appearance: ‘I’ve been in and out of prison’

Jelly Roll was overcome with emotion as he opened up about his past struggles with drug abuse and the law during an appearance at CMA Fest.

The 39-year-old country star broke down in tears as she reflected on how far he has come in his life and career during a performance in Nashville on Saturday.

– I was in this juvenile detention center. I’ve been in and out of prison. I was descending into drug addiction and tonight I’m headlining CMA Fest on Saturday night in Nashville, Tennessee,” explained Jelly Roll, real name Jason Bradley DeFord.

Tears flowed from his eyes as he buried his face in his cap as the crowd cheered and applauded their support.

“I’m here to tell you that whatever you want to do in your life, you can do it. I don’t care what anyone tells you,” he added.

Jelly Roll became emotional as he talked about the challenges he faced during his performance at CMA Fest in Nashville on Saturday

“I dedicate this song to all the people who live between good and evil. This song is called Son of a Sinner,” he added.

The rapper-turned-country singer spent time in prison for various crimes, including robbery and drug possession. He struggled with drug addiction, was open about his struggles with depression and described himself as a “broken man.”

DeFord, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, was in prison for almost a decade until 2008, when his first child, daughter Bailee Ann DeFord, was born.

He was first committed to a juvenile detention center at the age of 13 after he was caught with marijuana. At the age of 15, the musician tried numerous drugs, including pills, cocaine, acid, mushrooms and methamphetamine.

DeFord, 16, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being charged as an adult with aggravated assault in which he tried to steal someone’s marijuana while armed.

Throughout his teens, he was in and out of prison for numerous minor crimes, such as violating probation and failing drug tests. He was also convicted of possession of crack cocaine with intent to resell.

He promised that after the birth of his daughter he would change his life. DeFord, then 23, was in prison when he learned Bailee Ann had been born.

The singer previously revealed: “I was trapped when a guard knocked on my cell door and broke the news that my daughter had been born.”

The rapper-turned-country singer spent time in prison for various crimes, including robbery and drug possession

The singer dedicated his song Son of a Sinner to people living “between good and evil”

– I was in this juvenile detention center. I was in and out of prison,” he recalled

DeFord, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, was in prison for almost a decade until 2008, when his first child, daughter Bailee Ann DeFord, was born

DeFord and his wife Bunnie XO revealed that they are currently undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment to have a child together

Bailee Ann’s mother is his ex, Felicia, a former drug addict who has also been in and out of prison.

DeFord’s current wife, former Bunnie XO co-star, helped him gain custody of Bailee Ann in 2016, and the couple has been raising her together ever since.

DeFord also has a son, Noah Buddy DeFord, with ex Melissa, with whom he and Bunnie apparently have a good relationship.

DeFord and Bunnie XO revealed that they are currently undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment to have a child together.

Last year, DeFord won several accolades for his musical contributions and was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Best New Artist category.

He won three Country Music Television (CMT) awards, including Male Video of the Year, Male Breakthrough Video of the Year, and Digital Performance of the Year. He also received the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year.