Country music star Jelly Roll has been granted clemency for two felony convictions dating back more than a decade.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday pardoned 33 individuals, including the singer, whose previous crimes included robbery and drug possession charges in Davidson County.
Governor Lee described Jelly Roll’s journey as “remarkable” and described it as a powerful example of redemption.
Speaking to reporters, Lee said it was clear to him that the artist deserved a pardon, citing the personal transformation he had shown over the years.
The pardon applies to a 2003 robbery and a 2008 drug possession conviction.
Although it doesn’t completely erase Jelly Roll’s criminal record, it does formally forgive those felonies.
Jelly Roll filed for clemency last year, backed by letters from friends, government officials and music industry figures.
In April 2024, Nashville Sheriff Darron Hall upheld the clemency, and about a year later, the parole board unanimously recommended it.
Jelly Roll said the pardon allows him to set an example for others trying to change, especially those with similar struggles.
He has spoken openly about his troubled past, including being imprisoned more than 40 times and being arrested for the first time when he was 14 years old.
Since his success, he has used his platform to advocate for criminal justice reform, urge action against fentanyl, and speak with incarcerated individuals about rehabilitation and second chances.