Musician Jelly Roll has remained publicly silent on plans to have a child with ex-wife Bunnie XO despite her claims that their surrogate journey continues after their July divorce.
Industry insiders report that while the 41-year-old country artist respects his former spouse, his silence regarding post-divorce parenting reflects caution rather than a confirmed joint commitment.
A music industry insider who has worked closely with Jelly Roll stated that the singer loves and respects Bunnie XO, 46, and knows how important becoming a mother is to her. "But wanting to protect Bunnie's feelings is not necessarily the same thing as wanting to have a child with your ex-wife," the insider said.
Bunnie XO, host of the Dumb Blonde podcast, has maintained that the former couple will proceed with in vitro fertilization and surrogacy, a process initiated while they were married. Speaking on her podcast in June, she declared, "We're still having a baby together," adding that Jelly Roll had been "so f***ing great" about the plan and that "he wants the same thing."
Conflicting Statements and Public Silence
Jelly Roll publicly addressed the end of their marriage in June, describing Bunnie XO as his "best friend" and stating he would love her forever. He confirmed that the separation did not involve infidelity, stating that "nobody cheated on nobody," but he made no mention of any plan to have a child post-divorce.
A music source who has worked around Jelly Roll and his team noted, "If Jelly wanted the world to know that he was still planning to have a child with Bunnie after the divorce, he could say it. He hasn't." The source indicated that his ongoing silence suggests his mind is not entirely made up.
A mutual friend who knows both Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO stated, "Wanting something desperately doesn't make it a shared decision." The friend added, "I understand why she is holding onto the plan. But Jelly gets a vote."
Daily Mail journalists contacted Jelly Roll's representatives regarding the reporting but received no response.
Bunnie XO spent nearly a decade helping care for Jelly Roll's two biological children, Bailee and Noah, during their relationship. Although she genuinely believes they remain aligned on surrogacy, observers note her insistence has been treated as a joint declaration without public confirmation from him.
Separate Paths and Legal Warnings
Jelly Roll filed for divorce in May, and the couple finalized their separation on July 17. Following the divorce, the singer is reportedly dating again and has announced a break from touring for an extended period for emotional healing.
Bunnie XO is also building a new life, acquiring a new expensive home and a fancy car. Over the July 4 holiday weekend, she engaged in a public make-out session with 24-year-old television star Dylan Wolf.
As both individuals establish separate lives, acquaintances have questioned whether joint parenting remains suitable. A longtime friend of the couple stated, "A baby isn't a souvenir from a marriage. Parenthood is permanent."
Legal advisors also issued explicit warnings regarding the arrangement. Their divorce agreement, finalized in mid-July, specifically addressed potential legal complications of having children together. Both parties were informed that their divorce attorneys were not specialists in genetic and reproductive rights and were advised to seek additional expert counsel, which both reportedly chose not to do.
The exclusive reporting was detailed by columnist Rob Shuter, author of It Started With A Whisper, whose reporting appears on Substack.
