Jelly Roll is “doing better than I’ve ever done,” the powerhouse singer-songwriter said in a recent interview when asked whether he was taking care of himself and embracing his success in music.
The Grammy Award-nominated Whitsitt Chapel star followed upon with news outlets after emerging victorious as the reigning New Artist of the Year at the 57th annual CMA Awards in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The “Save Me” star — his smash-hit collaboration with Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson — said he’s “feeling great” these days.
“I’m doing better than I’ve ever done. I’ve been eating better, losing weight, drinking water, not drinking as much, but when I drink, I still drink a lot. …I’m feeling great,” Jelly Roll said last month. “I was telling my wife just a second ago, I haven’t touched my phone tonight at all. I have lived this moment. I got to sit next to Zach Bryan and my wife, Lainey Wilson and Post Malone. I soaked in every (moment).”
Since then, Jelly Roll has channeled his focus to helping his community for the holidays. Growing up in the Antioch neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee, Jelly Roll was determined to give back with a massive toy drive.
“Who would I be to be so blessed and not turn around and try to be a blessing?” Jelly Roll said. “So, we chose the toy drive this year. It was kind of my daughter’s dream, to be honest. She started doing it at a real small local level with her aunt that owns a bar in White House, Tennessee for the last four or five years, call it ‘Buddy’s Toy Drive’ after my late father. …We’ve already raised a lot of toys. I’m gonna put up probably $100,000 of my own money…We’re gonna try to do the biggest toy drive that’s ever happened in Nashville.
Jelly Roll ultimately delivered about 8,000 toys to The Last Minute Toy Store for Middle Tennessee families.
“God is just getting started with me, that’s for sure,” Jelly Roll said, particularly after delivering a powerful acceptance speech on th Bridgestone Arena stage. “It’s funny, I find my joy… I think what helps me with my mental health and helps me be so joyous is coming from where I came from…understanding the therapy involved (in songwriting and music in general). The true power that music holds.
“I’m here to connect. I’m not here to entertain, I’m here to connect,” he said. “That’s what I think music does.”