The holiday season often brings joy and togetherness, but for country music star Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, this time of year holds a bittersweet significance.
As Thanksgiving passes and Christmas nears, the memory of Bunnie’s cherished father, Bill, who passed away in May after a brave battle with cancer, looms heavily in their hearts.
Bunnie and Bill: A Complex Relationship
Alyssa “Bunnie” DeFord was born on January 22, 1980, in Houston, Texas. From ages five to 12, she lived amidst a chaotic rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle in Las Vegas, led by her father, Bill, a struggling musician battling alcoholism. It was far from a nurturing environment for a child.
When Bunnie turned 12, everything changed. Her father and stepmother embraced religion and imposed strict rules, banning secular music and restricting anything above a G rating. While her stepmother taught her valuable life skills, their relationship was strained, marred by verbal and physical abuse.
Following an incident where Bunnie was attacked by three girls, her father decided to teach her self-defense. Determined to make sure she wouldn’t lose another fight, Bill spent two weeks in their backyard teaching her the basics.
Leaving Her Father’s House at 14
Bunnie struggled with anger as a teenager and often got into fights at school. At 14, the tension reached a breaking point, and she decided to leave her father’s house, essentially running away. She never returned.
Despite their tumultuous relationship, Bunnie and Bill eventually reconnected. Over the years, they rebuilt their bond and always had each other’s backs. Bill even appeared as a guest on Bunnie’s podcast multiple times, reflecting the closeness they shared.
Bill’s Cancer Diagnosis
In 2022, Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. For a year, he fought his illness quietly, but as his condition worsened, he confided in Bunnie.
“I received one of the worst calls yesterday that shook me to my core. My dad has been silently battling Stage 4 cancer for the past year alone w/just his wife,” Bunnie shared. “He insisted no one know so he could try to heal it himself because he’s into holistic remedies. Sadly the cancer has now spread into his bone marrow and & his bones are breaking, he can’t lift his arms, walk, barely eat & he’s in so much pain you can’t even hug him.”
Following the devastating news, Bill moved from Texas to Tennessee to be closer to Bunnie and her husband, Jelly Roll. The family shared his journey with fans, documenting the highs and lows of his battle with cancer.
Bill’s Final Days
In November 2023, Bill was placed in hospice care, and while he made significant progress with palliative treatment, the outcome was inevitable. On May 8, 2024, Bunnie shared the heartbreaking news of her father’s passing.
“Hey Bill, I’m going to miss you,” Bunnie, 44, wrote. “You are still my favorite rock star & my hero. This one’s going to hurt.”
She added, “Rest easy & don’t make too many angels fall in love,” alongside photos of Bill playing guitar, sharing moments with a young Bunnie, and receiving cheek kisses from her and Jelly Roll.
Why Bunnie Wasn’t at Bill’s Deathbed
In an episode of her podcast, Dumb Blonde, Bunnie opened up about the final days of her father’s life and why she wasn’t there when he passed. She revealed that their relationship had hit a rocky patch after Bill confided in her about being mistreated by his wife.
“This entire situation of us not talking to each other was because he came to me and told me that his wife was abusing him,” Bunnie explained. “And I — rightfully so, as his daughter — stuck up for him, and he turned on me because of that.”
Bunnie also shared that she was unaware Bill had been readmitted to the hospital shortly before his death. She expressed anger and frustration toward his wife, Suzanne, whom she felt kept her from her father in his final moments.
“I texted her, and I was like, ‘How dare you take my dad from me, and not only that, but my dad’s so sick that the last conversation I’m gonna have with my dad is me being mad at him?’” Bunnie recalled. “We had words back and forth, and I was like, ‘There’s a special place in hell for women like you.’”
Although she arranged for a private jet to see her father, she was unable to reach him in time to say goodbye.
Reflecting on Thanksgiving
Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, Bunnie and Bill’s bond was undeniable. As the holidays approached, Bunnie reflected on her father’s absence, sharing a touching video from Thanksgiving the previous year—a celebration that held special meaning for Bill.
“Thanksgiving was always the time my dad would show up,” Bunnie wrote. “We could go the whole year without speaking, but no matter who he was with, he’d always pop up on Thanksgiving.”
@xomgitsbunnie It hits a little harder today for some reason, I dont think ibe grieved the loss from both my parents yet. 🕊️ Thankful for my widdle family 🤍 #bunnieandbill
She added, “In this video, I knew in my heart it would be our last one together. I just didn’t realize it would hurt like this today.”
Bunnie’s followers offered an outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. One fan wrote, “Sending you all the love. Bill is sitting on a different table this year, watching from above.”
It’s these moments of kindness that remind us of the strength and comfort found in the love of others, even amidst grief.
As Bunnie and her family continue to navigate this challenging journey, their fans’ unwavering support provides much-needed solace. Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers, sending positive energy their way during this tough season.