Patriot Brief
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A plea for redemption: Jelly Roll says Tennessee offers no forgiveness for violent offenders, even decades later, and he believes every person should have a path to restoration.
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A fight for rights: The country star hopes a pardon will allow him to appeal for the right to own a rifle for hunting, mental health, and personal safety.
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A testimony of change: Once jailed 40 times, Jelly Roll now advocates for redemption, Christian values, and reform of a justice system that he says locks offenders into lifelong punishment.
Country star Jelly Roll is speaking openly about redemption, second chances, and the freedom he hopes to regain after a troubled past. During an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience, he revealed he is praying for a pardon from Tennessee’s governor, hoping it will open the door for him to legally own a rifle again.
Joe Rogan: Redemption is one of the more beautiful aspects of Christianity
Jelly Roll talking to Rogan about not being able to hunt with a gun because Tennessee has a zero forgiveness policy for violent offenders:
Jelly Roll “I think it’s important for people to have a path to… pic.twitter.com/zFxJPIpiTd
— jay plemons (@jayplemons) December 10, 2025
Fox News reports:
Jelly Roll is planning to plead with the government to allow him to own a rifle so he can hunt.
The country star appeared on the “Joe Rogan Experience” and discussed the terms of his parole, which prohibit him from owning or firing a gun.
Rogan asked Jelly Roll if these conditions were “forever,” which prompted Jelly Roll to explain that he’s up for a pardon this month.
“Well, this is interesting. This is a slippery slope for me. I am up for a pardon this year. My paperwork has been sent to my governor, and he considers pardons every December. So, every day, I’m just kind of praying,” Jelly Roll said.
Even if Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee gave Jelly Roll a pardon, “Tennessee has a zero forgiveness policy for violent offenders,” Jelly Roll explained.
“So, I would be pardoned, but I wouldn’t be exonerated. The charges aren’t completely gone,” he said.
For Jelly Roll, the issue goes far beyond hunting. It reflects his belief that every person, especially those who have changed their lives, deserves a path back to full citizenship. His story highlights a larger conversation about faith, forgiveness, public safety, and true rehabilitation
Photo credit: Marc Grimwade/WireImage