Country singer Jelly Roll to guest-host Jimmy Kimmel Live amid divorce filing
Jelly Roll, who recently filed for divorce from wife Bunnie Xo, will join a rotating lineup of guest hosts on Jimmy Kimmel Live while the regular host takes a two-month break.
Country music artist Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has been added to the roster of guest hosts for Jimmy Kimmel Live as the show’s regular host, Jimmy Kimmel, steps away for two months. Kimmel announced the hiatus on Thursday, noting the program will feature a series of stand-ins including Tiffany Haddish, Coleman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson and Rosie O'Donnell. > "We have assembled a potent group of hosts to fill in for me," Kimmel said.
Jelly Roll previously covered the program for two episodes in July 2025. The new assignment follows court documents showing the 41-year-old singer filed for divorce from his wife, Bunnie Xo (Alisa Carter), after ten years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing lists May 9 as the separation date, and movers were observed outside the couple’s Tennessee home on Monday.
Both parties have spoken publicly about the split. Bunnie Xo described a disagreement that occurred on Mother’s Day and mentioned that the couple’s IVF efforts had strained their relationship. She also indicated that Jelly Roll is seeing someone new, though the pair intend to continue pursuing a shared desire for a child. During a recent concert stop in Saratoga Springs, New York, Jelly Roll referred to Xo as a “best friend” and said she will likely remain the only woman he loved in that way.