Jelly Roll joins 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' guest host lineup amid divorce filing

Jelly Roll is stepping into a high-profile television role as he prepares to serve as a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, just days after reports surfaced that he filed for divorce from his wife, Bunnie Xo.

Jimmy Kimmel announced on Thursday that he will take a two-month break from his late-night show, describing the hiatus as voluntary. During his absence, a rotating lineup of guest hosts will take over hosting duties.

Among those stepping in is Jelly Roll, real name Jason DeFord, alongside Tiffany Haddish, Coleman Domingo, Ike Barinholtz, Anthony Anderson, and Rosie O’Donnell.

Kimmel previously highlighted Jelly Roll as one of the guest hosts and noted that the musician has already appeared in the hosting role twice before, most recently in July 2025.

The announcement comes shortly after news emerged that Jelly Roll filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo in May, ending a marriage that lasted nearly a decade. Court documents list May 9 as the date of separation and cite irreconcilable differences.

Reports also claimed movers were seen at the couple’s Tennessee residence in recent weeks.

Both Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo have since spoken publicly about the split. Bunnie said the decision followed a major argument on Mother’s Day, adding that she encouraged him to file for divorce. 

She also said the couple’s ongoing fertility struggles placed strain on their relationship, though they continue to pursue IVF treatment.

She further claimed that Jelly Roll has already begun dating again.

Jelly Roll addressed the separation during a recent concert in New York, telling fans that he and Bunnie remain close despite the split. 

He described her as his “best friend” and emphasized that there was no infidelity involved in the breakup.

Despite the personal developments, Jelly Roll is moving forward professionally with his return to late-night television, marking another step in his expanding entertainment career.