Full Breakdown
Jelly Roll Releases “Hands Up” as Divorce Proceedings Unfold
6/25/2026, 12:26:04 PM
New Single “Hands Up” Debuts Amid Divorce
Country artist Jelly Roll released the worship-inspired track “Hands Up” at midnight on June 24, 2024. The song, framed as an anthem urging listeners to lift their hands toward a heavenly destination, was promoted with an Instagram Stories teaser that mixed footage of his weight-loss transformation, a rain-soaked walk, and a clip from his recent interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Background: Personal Life and Recent Success
Jelly Roll filed for divorce from his wife of ten years, Bunnie Xo, after a May 18 filing in Williamson County, Tennessee, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Billboard obtained the court documents on June 15. In a June 18 concert, he said the split involved no cheating and that he and Xo remain best friends. His 2023 album *Whitsitt Chapel* peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on Top Country Albums; 2024’s *Beautifully Broken* debuted at No. 1 on both charts.
Timeline of Key Dates
Official Statements & Responses
In the Instagram teaser, Jelly Roll said he “stopped lying to myself,” framing the song as a personal affirmation to act despite obstacles. His June 18 onstage remarks emphasized that the divorce stemmed from “irreconcilable differences,” not infidelity, and highlighted his continued friendship with Xo. The promotional video for “Hands Up” displays on-screen messages urging listeners to start today rather than postpone change.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every time I said that I was gonna lose the weight, Joe, I said, I lied to myself. I would tell myself, ‘I’m gonna do this. I’m gonna go do that.’ And then I’d go tell my family that. There’s a big person listening to this right now or a drug addict or somebody who wants to change some part of their life that right now is going, ‘I’m gonna start next Monday,'” — Jelly Roll, interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast
- “That first Monday comes, Joe, it is pissing rain, cats and dogs, dude.” — Jelly Roll, interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast
- “Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends. We just got off the phone earlier today. Nobody cheated on nobody.” — Jelly Roll, onstage, June 18
- “Because one day, not that long ago, I stopped lying to myself,” reads the text, as the song’s chorus plays in the background.” — Text from “Hands Up” promotional video
What’s Next
Jelly Roll’s upcoming promotional cycle will likely feature live performances of “Hands Up” and further media appearances about his personal transformation. Observers will watch how his public narrative evolves as divorce proceedings continue and new music reaches audiences.
