Jelly Roll to Guest-Host ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ Amid Divorce from Bunnie Xo

Country music star Jelly Roll is pivoting to late-night television as a guest host on ABC’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ during host Jimmy Kimmel’s two-month summer hiatus. This move comes just days after he filed for divorce from his wife Bunnie Xo.

Kimmel, 58, announced the news on Thursday’s episode of the ABC talk show.

He told the audience he would be “taking the next two months off, this time voluntarily.” The host then introduced the lineup of guest hosts, which includes Tiffany Haddish, Coleman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson, Jelly Roll, and Rosie O’Donnell.

“We have assembled a potent group of hosts to fill in for me,” Kimmel said.

Jelly Roll’s Late-Night Debut

Jelly Roll (born Jason DeFord) is no stranger to the role. He previously guest-hosted ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ for two episodes in July 2025. The new gig marks a continued expansion of his presence in the entertainment world beyond music.

The 41-year-old singer has built a massive following with hits like “Save Me.” He has become a regular presence across late-night and award-show stages.

Divorce Filing Details

The announcement lands amid a deeply personal moment for the artist. According to court documents, Jelly Roll filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo (born Alisa Carter) in May after 10 years of marriage.

The filing listed the couple’s date of separation as May 9. It cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split.

Public Response to Divorce

Jelly Roll publicly addressed the divorce for the first time during a concert in Saratoga Springs, New York, on June 18.

“I wasn’t going to talk about this tonight, but while we’re talking about liars, the internet is a liar too,” he told the crowd. “This is the only time, and the only city, I’m ever going to speak about this so break your camera phones out now.”

“Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends,” he continued. “We spoke on the phone earlier today. Nobody cheated on nobody.”

Despite the legal proceedings, Bunnie Xo confirmed on her podcast that she and Jelly Roll still plan to have a child via IVF.

The couple had been open about their desire to start a family. Bunnie’s statement suggested that goal remains intact even as their marriage ends.

Jelly Roll’s guest-hosting stint on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ is set to begin during Kimmel’s hiatus. The scheduling of his episodes has not yet been announced.