Jelly Roll is having the kind of moment most artists dream about—sold-out tours, hit records, and an army of fans who hang on every word. But at CRS 2024, during an open and candid conversation with Eric Church, the genre-blending star admitted that the biggest challenge of his career wasn’t the music or the fame.
It was his health.
“I did like 140 dates that year, and I had gotten up to about 530 pounds,” Jelly Roll confessed, reflecting on his early touring days. “I realized that if I was going to work as hard as God has given me the opportunity to work, it was going to kill me if I didn’t do something about my health.”
The wake-up call was clear—if he didn’t take control of his body and his schedule, he wouldn’t survive the industry, let alone have the long career he dreamed of.
Prioritizing Rest & Time Off
Touring non-stop can burn out even the most seasoned musicians, and Jelly Roll knew he needed to set boundaries. He took advice from Eric Church and Keith Urban, both of whom emphasized the importance of stepping away when needed.
“Keith Urban told me, ‘A travel day is not an off day,’” Jelly recalled. “And I was like, damn… he’s right.”
That mindset shift led Jelly Roll to be intentional about when he works and when he rests.
“I started taking the advice [Eric] gave me about being diligent about when I’m off, being off.”
That balance—between the grind and the recovery—is what’s helping Jelly Roll navigate the highs and lows of a breakout career.
The Hard Work Is Paying Off
Since making his health a priority, Jelly Roll has lost 145 pounds. And while he’s still one of the busiest artists in country music, he’s learning how to pace himself for the long haul.
“I realized that there’s no way I was going to live to be 50 years old if I didn’t do something about my health.”
It’s a message that resonates far beyond the music industry. Whether you’re on tour, grinding out a 9-to-5, or chasing your own dream, burnout is real—and prioritizing yourself is the only way to make it last.
Jelly Roll is proof that success is more than just hits and headlines—it’s about taking care of yourself along the way.
Want to keep up with Jelly Roll’s tour and latest releases? Check out his upcoming dates on CountryMusicOnTour.com.