Country music fans are in for a historic event as Nashville prepares to host its first-ever 

professional rodeo, headlined by some of the biggest names in the industry. Among those set to take center stage are country music superstar Jelly Roll, along with legends Reba McEntire and Tim McGraw. This monumental event marks a new chapter for Nashville, 

a city long associated with country music, as it welcomes the world of professional rodeo into its cultural landscape.

Jelly Roll, a Nashville native, expressed his excitement about being part of such a significant moment in his hometown’s history. In a press release, he shared his personal connection to past milestones in the city’s evolution. “As a Nashville native, this felt like a chance to be a part of a history-making event for the city,” he said. “I have vivid memories of when it was announced in Nashville that we were getting a hockey team with the Predators or a football team with the Titans. I watched Bridgestone Arena be built from the ground up. Headlining Music City Rodeo in my hometown as a part of the first rodeo brought to town feels like the same type of milestone.”

In a promotional video for the upcoming event, Jelly Roll is seen behind a bar, engaging with a group of cowboys, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. “Ain’t your usual stop, is it boys?” he says, capturing the spirit of the rodeo blending with Nashville’s honky-tonk roots.

The excitement surrounding the Music City Rodeo doesn’t stop with Jelly Roll. Reba McEntire and Tim McGraw, both icons in their own right, have also shared their enthusiasm. McEntire’s voice can be heard in a promotional clip, stating, “Right here in the heart of Broadway, where honky-tonk neon meets daredevil grit, rodeo and country music collide.” McGraw follows up with, “Three nights of guts, glory, and history in the making.” The event is set to take place at Bridgestone Arena from May 29 to May 31, in collaboration with McGraw’s Down Home entertainment group, Skydance Media, and Humes Rodeo. This marks Nashville’s first official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event, adding another layer of prestige to the occasion. Tickets will officially go on sale Friday, March 7, and are expected to sell quickly given the star-studded lineup.

For Jelly Roll, participating in the rodeo seems to be a full-circle moment as he works toward creating his ideal country lifestyle. Earlier this year, his wife, Bunnie Xo, shared glimpses of their growing farm life on social media. In January, the couple welcomed three miniature cows—Crunch, Brownie, and S’more—adding to their dream of building a family farm. “Our lil’ farm is starting,” Bunnie captioned the video of the new additions.

Their original plan was to have just one farm animal, but Jelly Roll’s excitement led to them expanding their collection. Alongside the cows, they also adopted a donkey named Griz. The journey with their donkey has been particularly special, as Bunnie documented the slow process of earning his trust. She shared an emotional video two weeks after Griz’s arrival, highlighting a milestone moment when he allowed her to pet him for the first time. “He hadn’t let anyone touch him since he came to live with us. I’ve been talking to him every day, telling him he’s loved and safe,” she wrote. “Whenever he wants more love, I’ll be here.”

Jelly Roll has always been vocal about his deep appreciation for farm life. In a heartfelt Instagram video, he reflected on childhood visits to his uncle’s farm in Tennessee, where he learned to ride four-wheelers, shoot a gun, and embrace the traditional Southern way of life. His dream of owning land was inspired by a conversation he had with his father at the age of 12. “I’ll never forget—we left my uncle’s farm, and I asked my dad, ‘How come we never got a farm?’ He said, ‘Son, it’s probably one of the mistakes I regret the most, that I didn’t buy dirt.’ He told me, ‘They’re never gonna make more of it. If you don’t listen to any other advice from me, buy dirt. Get you some land.’” Years later, Jelly Roll made that dream a reality, purchasing a 500-acre property in Nashville to create a family home and farm.

Despite his growing success, Jelly Roll remains grounded and appreciative of the journey that brought him to where he is today. He has achieved incredible milestones in country music, winning New Artist of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards and taking home multiple awards at the 2024 CMAs. His breakout singles, “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor,” propelled him into mainstream success, though he had been making music since 2003.

Jelly Roll’s personal journey has been one of transformation and resilience. He has openly shared his struggles with substance abuse and time spent behind bars for aggravated robbery and possession with intent to sell. His past has shaped his music and message, which now centers on redemption and hope. “I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for what I went through. I think it empowered me. It gave me my voice,” he said during an interview at the 2023 CMAs. “It taught me a lot about overcoming, about changing, and the ability to change. I was a horrible human for decades, and to be able to turn that around and give a message in my music—help people, give back in every way I can—that’s what matters to me.”

In January 2024, Jelly Roll took his advocacy to a national level, testifying before Congress on the dangers of fentanyl. “I am a musician, and I have no political alliance. I’m neither Democrat nor Republican,” he stated. “Because of my past, my right to vote has been restricted. But I think that makes me the perfect person to speak about this, because fentanyl transcends partisanship and ideology.” He went on to acknowledge his own past mistakes, stating, “I was part of the problem. I am here now as a man who wants to be part of the solution.”

As Jelly Roll prepares to take the stage at the Music City Rodeo, he stands as a testament to the power of transformation. From a troubled past to a celebrated country music star, his journey continues to inspire fans worldwide. With a successful music career, a growing farm, and a commitment to making a difference, Jelly Roll proves that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

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