Bunnie XO called her post-divorce life “a blessing” and reiterated that she still wants to have a baby after splitting from ex-husband Jelly Roll earlier this year.
The bestselling author and host of the hit “Dumb Blonde” podcast spoke on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle Aug. 20 about what her life is like since Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, filed for divorce on May 18, according to court records from Williamson County, Tennessee.
The split came two months before what would’ve been the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary.
“I know when something like that that’s deeply personal happens, it’s a beautifully tragic, but at the same time there’s always a silver lining, there’s always something better to look forward to,” Bunnie, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, told Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones. “There’s so much more to talk about with me especially, and with women, than their past lovers and people in their lives.”
On the June 18 episode of her “Dumb Blonde Podcast,” Bunnie XO confirmed the split. She also said it was “not mutual” and not her choice to break up.
She also revealed the surprising news that they still plan to have a baby together and would raise the child as co-parents. Jelly Roll has two children from previous relationships, daughter Bailee Ann, 18, and son Noah Buddy, 9.
Bunnie XO confirmed on TODAY that she still wants a child, but it was not clear if she wants the baby with her estranged husband.
“So I definitely still want to have a baby, and that’s going to be one of my newest chapters of my next book, and I can’t wait for you guys to read about it because it’s been one hell of a journey, let me tell you,” she said.
Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll have previously talked about their desire to have a child together. The couple announced in 2024 that they were trying to conceive through in vitro fertilization. Bunnie XO said on her June podcast episode that they had lost four embryos during their relationship together.
She also revealed on her podcast that Jelly Roll had started dating. In her interview on TODAY, Bunnie XO made it sound like she is also enjoying the single life herself.
“Ladies, they should’ve never let me back out in the streets because I love it here, and I’m never going back,” she said.
“I feel like us as women, we put ourselves aside so much for partners or friends, kids, and it’s like we don’t pour into ourselves, and sometimes you need to be selfish and you need to pour into yourself,” she continued. “And I just hope my journey can show people, ‘Hey, you know what, no matter how hard the situation you’re going through, you’re going get through that, you’re going to rise up, and you’re going to be an even better version of yourself.”
Jelly Roll cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, according to the court filing. He and Bunnie XO each spoke out separately about the divorce filing.
Jenna and Sheinelle asked if Bunnie XO’s direct messages have been blowing up since the news of her divorce.
“I’m having the freaking time of my life,” she said. “I’m just thriving. I never thought it would turn out to be such a blessing, but it’s such a blessing, and I’m so thankful.”
