Jelly Roll Files for Divorce from Bunnie Xo After Nearly 10 Years of Marriage, Citing Irreconcilable Differences

Country music star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) has filed for divorce from his wife, Bunnie Xo (Alisa DeFord), after nearly a decade of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing was made on May 18, with the date of separation listed as May 9, according to court documents. The news has surprised many fans, though a source tells PEOPLE the split did not come without warning.

A source close to the couple revealed that Jelly Roll, 41, and Bunnie Xo, 46, have "always had a complicated dynamic" that dates back to the early days of their relationship. When they first met, Jelly Roll was struggling financially while Bunnie Xo worked as a sex worker. The two initially shared a platonic friendship before taking their relationship to the next level and marrying in 2016. "When they first got together, they were both in a very different place in their lives," the source said. "There was a lot of chaos, ups and downs, and they built a life together through all of that."

Despite their public displays of affection, the couple has faced significant challenges over the years, including Jelly Roll's well-documented affair in 2018, which led to a temporary breakup. They also openly discussed their IVF journey and hopes of having a child together. However, the source explained that the couple had grown apart as Jelly Roll's career skyrocketed. "He's very focused on his future, his health and being around for a long time," the source said. "There wasn't a moment where everything fell apart. They still love each other but were no longer on the same page about certain things, including what they wanted their future to look like. People saw the public side of things, but there was a lot more going on privately."

The divorce filing comes just months after Jelly Roll tearfully thanked Bunnie Xo during his Grammy acceptance speech in February, saying, "I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would have never changed my life without you. I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn't for you and Jesus." In a January interview with PEOPLE, Bunnie Xo described him as "the coolest dude ever," adding, "His soul is so golden and pure and he really is a good man." Jelly Roll is father to daughter Bailee, 18, and son Noah, 9, from previous relationships.