Jelly Roll releases new song ‘Hands Up’ amidst Bunnie Xo Divorce

Jelly roll gives fans new music in a week dominated by headlines about his divorce Bunnie Xo.

The country star has released a new song called “Hands Up,” a song of faith that taps into the themes that have defined much of his recent music: redemption, perseverance and the idea that no one is perfect.

The release comes just days after both Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo have publicly addressed their split for the first time.

Jelly Roll releases ‘Hands Up’

“Hands Up” combines Jelly Roll’s hip-hop roots with a soaring, gospel-infused country sound.

Read more: Jelly Roll Sets the Record Straight After His Divorce From Bunnie Xo (View)

In the center of the song is a message addressed to anyone who feels flawed but continues to try to become a better person.

‘Everybody put their hands up / If you ain’t perfect, just try’ he sings.

The chorus continues:

“Put them way up to heaven
Touch the sky a little high
Isn’t that where we want to go when we die?”

The uplifting message will likely resonate with fans who have connected with Jelly Roll’s deeply personal songwriting throughout his career.

The song arrives amid divorce headlines

The song comes during a very emotional chapter in Jelly Roll’s personal life.

Earlier this month, the singer has filed for divorce from Bunnie Xo after almost ten years of marriage. Court documents cite irreconcilable differences and list May 9 as the date of the couple’s separation.

Bunnie Xo recently broke her silence about the split during an episode of hers Stupid blonde podcast, in which she revealed that despite the divorce, the former couple still plans to have a child together.

Read more: Jelly Roll Divorce Filing Reveals What’s Next for Assets and Debts

“We’re still having a baby together,” she said, explaining that they plan to co-parent and remain close friends.

Jelly Roll speaks out

Just hours later The Bunnie Xo podcast episode was released, Jelly Roll publicly addressed the divorce for the first time during a concert stop in Saratoga Springs, NY

“Although we talk about liars, the Internet is also a liar,” he told the crowd before shutting down rumors that infidelity played a role in the split.

“Nobody cheated on nobody,” said Jelly Roll. 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 will 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 make headlines, “Hands Up” recalls the themes that have long connected him to listeners: faith, forgiveness and the belief that imperfect people can still keep reaching for something better.

17 songs that Jelly Roll plays the most during his shows

We recently went through all the setlists from his shows using Setlist.fm to determine which songs you are likely to hear if you get tickets to a Jelly Roll show. Here’s a look at his most played songs.

(NOTE: the number statistics are valid until May 27, 2025)

Gallery credit: Rob Caroll