Jelly Roll, the 39-year-old country singer, recently achieved a significant milestone in his weight loss journey by completing his first 5K run in Tennessee. The emotional moment was captured on video, showing the artist wiping away tears as he crossed the finish line of the 2 Bears 5K, an event hosted by podcasters Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Jelly Roll reflected on the tremendous progress he had made since accepting Kreischer and Segura’s “5K by May” challenge. He candidly shared, “I could not walk a mile in January when I first tried to do this.” The accomplishment of completing the 3.1-mile run left him feeling “really, really happy” and inspired.
The singer, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, has been open about his struggles with weight throughout his career. In 2018, he revealed on Instagram that he once weighed over 500 pounds before embarking on his initial weight loss journey, during which he shed more than 200 pounds. More recently, in April, Jelly Roll announced his intention to lose an additional 100 pounds.
As part of his preparation for the 5K, which was associated with the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival, Jelly Roll has made significant strides in his fitness. He told Entertainment Tonight that he had lost between 50 and 70 pounds while training for the race. Despite feeling “a bit tired” after completing the run, the “Son of a Sinner” singer described his overall state as “great.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of participating in the 2 Bears run for Jelly Roll was the inspiration it provided to others. He expressed his amazement at the number of people who approached him, saying they were motivated by his efforts or those of other “big guys” taking part in the event. The diverse group of participants left an impression on him, noting, “It was a very eclectic group of people. There was somebody running in a bear costume, people drinking beer. Some people set personal records!”
However, Jelly Roll’s weight loss journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Last month, his wife, Bunnie Xo, revealed on her podcast that Jelly Roll had taken a break from social media due to negative comments about his weight. She shared an emotional moment with her audience, saying, “My husband left the internet because he was tired of getting bullied about his weight. It makes me want to cry because he’s such a sweet soul.” She further explained that while Jelly Roll doesn’t often show his vulnerability to the public, the hurtful comments deeply affected him.
Despite these setbacks, Jelly Roll’s determination remains strong. Speaking about his feelings during the social media hiatus and after completing the 5K, he expressed a sense of contentment and support. “I feel amazing. I’m surrounded by friends and family,” he said. The emotional impact of the achievement was evident as he mentioned shedding tears with Bert Kreischer as they crossed the finish line together.
Looking ahead, Jelly Roll is already setting his sights on more ambitious goals. Without hesitation, he declared, “Next year, half-marathon! We’re saying it right now, no takebacks. We’re doing it.” This commitment demonstrates his renewed motivation and dedication to his ongoing health and fitness journey.
Jelly Roll’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. From struggling to walk a mile in January to completing a 5K in May, his progress is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. His journey serves as an inspiration not only to his fans but to anyone facing similar challenges in their lives.
The singer’s openness about his struggles and triumphs has resonated with many, creating a supportive community around his efforts. By sharing his experiences, both the highs and the lows, Jelly Roll has humanized the weight loss journey, showing that it’s not just about physical transformation but also about emotional resilience and personal growth.
The 2 Bears 5K event itself seems to have been a positive and inclusive experience, bringing together people from various backgrounds and fitness levels. This environment of support and encouragement likely played a significant role in Jelly Roll’s emotional response to completing the race.
As Jelly Roll weight loss journey continues on his path to better health, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, self-care, and the impact of a supportive community. His journey from country music star to inspiring figure in the realm of personal health underscores the universal nature of struggles with weight and self-image, as well as the potential for positive change that exists within each individual.
While the road ahead may still present challenges, Jelly Roll’s determination and the support of his family, friends, and fans suggest that he is well-equipped to face them. His experience highlights the ongoing nature of personal transformation and the importance of celebrating milestones along the way.
As he looks forward to potentially tackling a half-marathon in the future, Jelly Roll’s story continues to unfold, inspiring others to pursue their own goals, whether in fitness, music, or any other aspect of life. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, support, and resilience, significant personal transformations are possible, regardless of the starting point or the obstacles encountered along the way.