Jelly Roll is giving fans new music amid a week dominated by headlines about his divorce from Bunnie Xo.
The country star has released a new song called “Hands Up,” a faith-filled anthem that leans into the themes that have defined much of his recent music: redemption, perseverance and the idea that nobody is perfect.
The release comes just days after both Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo publicly addressed their split for the first time.
Jelly Roll Releases ‘Hands Up’
“Hands Up” blends Jelly Roll’s hip-hop roots with a soaring, gospel-infused country sound.
Read More: Jelly Roll Sets the Record Straight on His Divorce From Bunnie Xo [Watch]
At the center of the song is a message aimed at anyone who feels flawed but continues trying to become a better person.
“Everybody put your hands up / If you ain’t perfect, but you try,” he sings.
The chorus continues:
“Put them way up to the sky
Touch the heaven kind of high
Ain’t that where we wanna go when we die?”
The uplifting message is likely to resonate with fans who have connected with Jelly Roll’s deeply personal songwriting throughout his career.
The Song Arrives Amid Divorce Headlines
The song arrives during a highly emotional chapter in Jelly Roll’s personal life.
Earlier this month, the singer filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo after nearly a decade of marriage. Court documents cite irreconcilable differences and list May 9 as the couple’s date of separation.
Bunnie Xo recently broke her silence on the split during an episode of her Dumb Blonde podcast, where she revealed that the former couple still plans to have a child together despite the divorce.
Read More: Jelly Roll Divorce Filing Reveals What’s Next for Assets and Debt
“We’re still having a baby together,” she said, explaining that they intend to co-parent and remain close friends.
Jelly Roll Speaks Out
Just hours after Bunnie Xo’s podcast episode was released, Jelly Roll addressed the divorce publicly for the first time during a concert stop in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
“While we’re talking about liars, the internet is a liar too,” he told the crowd before shutting down rumors that infidelity played a role in the split.
“Nobody cheated on nobody,” Jelly Roll said. He also emphasized that his relationship with Bunnie Xo remains strong.
Me and my wife are best friends, we will always be best friends. I will love her. She will probably be the only woman I’ll ever love the way I loved her.
Jelly Roll later told fans that “every word” Bunnie Xo shared on her podcast was true.
While his personal life continues to generate headlines, “Hands Up” serves as a reminder of the themes that have long connected him with listeners: faith, forgiveness and the belief that imperfect people can still keep reaching for something better.
17 Songs Jelly Roll Plays The Most During His Shows
(NOTE: Song stats are through May 27, 2025)
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
