In a heartbreaking video, Jelly Roll announced that his cherished dog, Rufus, had been given a fatal cancer diagnosis.
Jelly Roll talked tearfully about his dog, Rufus, who has supported him during his most difficult times.
The one thing that had kept him going with his four-legged companion while he was in prison, addiction recovery, and of course, his rise to Grammy stardom.
Jelly Roll said, visibly emotional ‘He saved me hundreds of times – now it’s my turn to fight for him.’
To Jelly Roll, Rufus wasn’t just a pet. He was the epitome of devotion, unquestioning loyalty, and tranquil strength, and during the years when Jelly was imprisoned and fighting addiction, Rufus was the only constant, the only soul who never turned his back.
“He’d sit beside my bed during withdrawals, guarding me like an angel,” Jelly shared. “When everyone else gave up on me… he stayed.”
Rufus was recently diagnosed with late-stage lymphoma, and though the prognosis is gloomy, Jelly Roll has promised to do everything he can: pain management, a special diet, and round-the-clock care.
The video sparked a huge swell of support online under the hashtag #PrayForRufus. Celebrities like Lainey Wilson, Yelawolf, and thousands of fans offered prayers and sincere messages:
“Rufus is a warrior, and we’re praying for a miracle.”
– Lainey Wilson
“I met Rufus backstage once — didn’t need words. He just made you feel safe.”
– Yelawolf
The story of Jelly Roll and Rufus reminds us that not all heroes wear capes—some walk on four legs with eyes that see directly into your soul.
Rufus has been Jelly’s lifeline, friend, and carer. Millions of people are now supporting him as he battles to repay the respect and affection that his closest buddy has always shown him.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has, over the years, mainly as a juvenile, spent time in jail and prison for various offences, but he managed to turn his life around.
While in jail, Jelly Roll learned he had become a father to his daughter, Bailee, which he cites as a turning point in his life.
His experiences with the justice system and subsequent u-turn have become a significant part of his personal narrative and are mirrored in his music.
He has also spoken before Congress about the fentanyl crisis and performed at correctional facilities, using his past to advocate for positive change.
Jelly Roll is a nickname he’s had since childhood, but the ‘I Am Not Okay’ singer has changed his association with food and is feeling better than ever since he started his weight-loss journey, and that is how the singer has turned his low points, childhood trauma, substance abuse, several stints in jail, starting when he was 15 years old into poignant lyrics, and that has made Jelly Roll into one of the most demanded singers in the world.
One topic that can be difficult to discuss, but which Jelly Roll has been open about, is his struggle with his weight, which in 2015 topped 500 pounds.
Fighting for his life, he began losing weight in late 2016, finally dropping 200 pounds. But he had gained 60 back, Jelly Roll explained, so he was opening up to his fans to hold himself responsible.
Of course, it’s difficult to balance life living on the road, eating out of truck stops and always running late to shows, as well as not getting adequate sleep, and now he is starting over and fighting for his life.
His ability to bring himself out of the deepest abyss makes him an inspiration to all of us.
So, now Jelly Roll has become Sushi Roll!
The man should be proud because he has responsibly dragged himself out of an unacceptable, unjustifiable, undignified, typically twisted, addictive dung pile. However, the unnecessary, twisted, feeble disasters will prove to spew poisonous slurs and unforgiving bitterness towards this man.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 