Jelly Roll Says He Was ‘6 to 12 Months Away’ From Death at Heaviest Weight

weight loss near death

Country music star Jelly Roll, known for his candid approach to personal challenges, has been engaged in a remarkable weight loss journey since 2022, when his scale registered an alarming 550 pounds.

The singer, who had reached the 500-pound mark by age 39, found himself confronting multiple heart issues that served as urgent warning signs for his health.

During what he describes as his darkest period, Jelly Roll experienced what he believed were the early stages of heart failure. The artist has revealed he felt he was “6 to 12 months away” from death, with a particular sense of dread surrounding his 39th birthday.

At his lowest point, Jelly Roll faced heart failure, believing he had months to live as his 39th birthday approached.

“I genuinely felt like I was dying,” he stated, noting that individuals reaching 500 pounds by age 40 represent an increasingly rare demographic, as many don’t survive to see that milestone.

The musician’s health crisis became the catalyst for substantial lifestyle changes. Unlike some celebrities who conceal their weight loss journey until completion, Jelly Roll opted for transparency from the beginning, sharing his struggles publicly as they occurred.

This approach allowed him to address the shame often associated with weight fluctuations while maintaining accountability. His emphasis on being transparent about struggles connects deeply with fans facing similar challenges.

His transformation journey mirrors the career development process many musicians follow, requiring consistent effort and dedication before seeing meaningful results.

His methods combined dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and a fundamental shift in mindset. Similar to how drummers develop muscle memory through consistent practice of rudiments, Jelly Roll established healthy habits through daily repetition. Small practical changes, such as strategic pantry organization and treating healthy options like bananas as special rather than mundane, contributed to his success.

The results have been impressive, with Jelly Roll shedding approximately 200 pounds since beginning his transformation in 2022.

By late 2024, he had lost 120 pounds and continues to make progress into 2025.

His transformation has been evident during public appearances, including his recent spot on ESPN’s College GameDay where he showcased his progress while correctly predicting Georgia’s victory over Ole Miss.

With renewed confidence and determination, the artist has established ambitious new goals. Just one month after reaching his 120-pound weight loss milestone, Jelly Roll publicly announced his intention to appear on the cover of Men’s Health magazine by March 2026, aiming to showcase one of the most dramatic body transformations in recent memory.

Leave a Reply