After years of seeking redemption from his criminal history, country star Jelly Roll has finally been pardoned for two previous felony convictions related to robbery and drugs.
On Thursday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee granted the musician a pardon for both felonies, which date back to before 2010, formally extending him forgiveness from the state.
The singer was one of 33 people to receive pardons on Thursday from Lee, who for years has issued clemency decisions around the Christmas season. The two met for the first time at the governor’s mansion, where they shared a hug in front of holiday decorations.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee told reporters.
He noted that Jelly Roll’s pardon application underwent the same months-long review process as other applicants. In April, the Tennessee Board of Parole issued a unanimous recommendation for Jelly Roll’s pardon following a hearing with multiple witnesses who advocated for the musician and spoke about his transformation.
Over the years, the “Need a Favor” artist has been candid about his criminal past, revealing he was first arrested at the age of 14 and has been jailed more than 40 times on various drug-related charges.
Now 41, he told the parole board earlier this year that he applied for a pardon to “be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible.”
He has demonstrated that change by visiting local jails, rehab facilities and youth centers in the cities where he’s playing concerts. He has even bought restaurants out for the day to feed people who are homeless.
“One of the reasons I’m asking for your recommendation is because I’m looking to take my message of redemption across the rest of the world,” the Grammy winner said, noting he’s had issues performing internationally because of his felonies.
While the pardon doesn’t completely clear Jelly Roll’s record, it does forgive his Davidson County felonies, including a 2003 robbery conviction and a 2008 conviction for possession of marijuana and crack cocaine.
With News Wire Services
