Jason Bradley DeFord, known by his stage name, rocked the stage with his incredible performance. He treated the audience to his chart-topping hits like “Need A Favor” and “Save Me.” Sporting his signature black tee, shirt, and pants, along with eye-catching chunky silver jewelry, the superstar delivered an unforgettable show.
“In 2016, I embarked on a personal journey to reclaim my health and well-being. Over the course of several years, I successfully shed approximately 200 pounds.
However, this transformation did not happen overnight. It was a slow and steady process that required immense dedication and perseverance,” he candidly shared with his fans in 2018.
Unfortunately, despite his remarkable progress, he found himself facing new challenges. He confessed, “Earlier this year, I found myself falling back into old habits of overeating and overdrinking.
The demanding lifestyle of constantly being on the road, staying in truck stops, and constantly running late to shows took a toll on my ability to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The lack of adequate sleep and the temptations of heavy drinking further complicated matters.”
These heartfelt reflections reveal the complexities of his journey, highlighting the constant struggles and obstacles he faced along the way. Despite setbacks, he remains determined to regain control of his health and continue progressing towards a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
“I’ve been struggling with obesity since I was a young child. Throughout my life, I have only experienced the challenges and unhappiness that come with being overweight,” he expressed. “I dream of embarking on thrilling adventures like skydiving, bungee jumping, bull riding, parasailing, and enjoying roller coasters. I yearn for a life filled with ordinary experiences and a healthy relationship with food.”
He has increased his fitness routine over the years, and in May 2024, he participated in the 2 Bears 5K race in Los Angeles.
“I started trying to do this back in January, and at that time, I couldn’t even walk a mile,” the singer shared with Entertainment Tonight. “But today, we managed to complete three-point-whatever miles, and I feel incredibly proud of that achievement. Leaving the session, I felt highly motivated and inspired to continue pushing myself.”
During the conversation, he expressed his appreciation for the impact they had on others, particularly individuals who found motivation from them and other prominent figures. It was truly fascinating to witness the diverse range of people who approached them, including a gentleman who was even running in a bear suit.
During an appearance on the Today Show, he expressed his aspiration to participate in a half marathon by 2025, boldly declaring it in the moment.
Jelly is happily married to Bunnie XO, a renowned podcaster. Together, they are proud parents to two wonderful children, Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy. Both Bailee Ann and Noah Buddy come from previous relationships, but they have formed a strong and loving family with Jelly and Bunnie.