Jelly Roll Steps into Hosting Role Amid Personal News
Country music star Jelly Roll is set to take on a new professional challenge, agreeing to guest host Jimmy Kimmel Live! while the show’s regular host embarks on a two-month hiatus. This career development comes to light shortly after news broke of Jelly Roll’s divorce filing from his wife, Bunnie XO, after a decade of marriage.
Kimmel Announces Rotating Guest Hosts
Jimmy Kimmel revealed on Thursday’s broadcast that a diverse group of celebrities will fill in for him during his upcoming break. Among those slated to take the reins are Rosie O’Donnell, Colman Domingo, Anthony Anderson, Tiffany Haddish, and Ike Barinholtz. Kimmel humorously remarked about his planned absence, stating, “I will be taking the next two months off, this time voluntarily,” a nod to a past instance where his show was briefly pulled by ABC.
Jelly Roll Addresses Divorce Publicly
The announcement of Jelly Roll’s guest hosting gig follows closely on the heels of his wife, Bunnie XO, releasing a candid podcast detailing their divorce. On the same evening Kimmel shared his hiatus plans, Bunnie posted her tell-all. Subsequently, Jelly Roll paused a concert in upstate New York to confirm to his fans that “every word” of his estranged wife’s account was “the truth.” During his address, Jelly Roll expressed his enduring “love” for Bunnie, calling her “my best friend forever.”
Couple Continues IVF Process Amid Separation
Bunnie XO’s podcast also revealed that the couple is continuing their IVF journey to have a child together, despite their separation. She described the two-year process as having “wrecked” her and left her feeling depleted. Bunnie characterized their relationship dynamic as her being the “chaser” and Jelly Roll the “runner,” admitting she always loved him “a little more.” She also addressed rumors of infidelity, specifically denying any involvement with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger, and Jelly Roll publicly echoed this sentiment at his concert, assuring the audience, “Nobody cheated on nobody.”
Kimmel’s Past Controversies and Guest Hosts
Kimmel’s hiatus comes after a period of controversy last fall when Jimmy Kimmel Live! was temporarily suspended following comments made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The show’s suspension lasted a week, and upon its return, ratings reportedly surged. Anthony Anderson has been a frequent fill-in host, with 24 previous appearances. Jelly Roll previously hosted the show for two episodes in July of the previous year.
Rosie O’Donnell’s History with Trump Administration
The inclusion of Rosie O’Donnell as a guest host is notable, given her well-documented, long-standing feud with former President Donald Trump. O’Donnell, who has relocated to Ireland, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration. Kimmel, also an outspoken critic, humorously directed a plea to “Mr. President” during his show, urging him not to “do anything stupid” during his absence. O’Donnell and Trump’s public animosity dates back to at least 2006, stemming from on-air discussions about Trump’s personal life.
Details regarding the specific dates for O’Donnell’s hosting duties have not yet been announced. Tiffany Haddish is scheduled to host the week of July 6th. Jimmy Kimmel is expected to return to his show the day after Labor Day.
