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Jelly Roll is determined to ensure his daughter Bailee avoids similar mistakes he made in his youth.
In an interview with People that was published on Wednesday, November 27, the Grammy-nominated artist, who was first arrested at age 14, shared his approach to parenting and his deep faith in 16-year-old Bailee's potential.
Reflecting on a recent conversation with her, 39-year-old Jelly Roll (whose real name is Jason DeFord) told his daughter, "I don't judge you based on what you do. I judge you based on what I know you're capable of," he recalled to People, adding that she is "so much smarter" and "emotionally intelligent" compared to where he was at her age. He also reminded her not to use his past as a way to avoid consequences.
Despite his own troubled adolescence, Jelly Roll noted that he feels confident in Bailee's future, saying that she is "ahead" of where he was at 16. While he sometimes pushes her, he assures that it's from a place of love and concern.
Jelly Roll has always been open about his struggles with addiction, and he recently revealed how young he was when he first attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on SiriusXM's The Highway show. "Oh goodness, I don't fully remember my first real meeting 'cause I was court-ordered at like 14," he shared on the episode before saying, "I definitely remember the first time that I found solace in those rooms."
Bailee –– who has been in the "Wild Ones" singer's custody since he and his wife Bunnie XO adopted her in 2017 (due to her biological mother's reported struggles with addiction) –– has seemingly remained grounded.The teen recently shared her aspirations on an episode of Bunnie's Dumb Blonde Podcast, revealing her plan to attend Columbia University and pursue a career in criminal defense law.
"That's where I wanna go, and I wanna study law. As for music, I don't have any plans for it right now," Bailee revealed before mentioning how her classmates have gotten over her famous father. "We're all kinda used to it," she said about Jelly Roll's presence at school activities.
Jelly Roll and Bunnie tied the knot in August 2016 at a Las Vegas chapel. They are also co-parents to the country star's 8-year-old son whom he shares with ex partner Melisa Ann Cowel.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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