Jelly Roll addressing congressional hearing on the FEND Off Fentanyl Act.Photo:Senate Banking and Housing Democrats/X
Senate Banking and Housing Democrats/X
Jelly Rollis advocating for lawmakers to take action against the fentanyl epidemic.
On Thursday, thecountrymusic star, 39, appeared before Congress to urge legislators to pass a bill to combat the supply and distribution of the synthetic opioid in the U.S.
At the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committeehearingon what’s known as theFEND Off Fentanyl Act, the singer-songwriter (whose real name is Jason DeFord) spoke passionately about the issue, explaining that he knows how grave it can be from his firsthand experience.
“At every concert I perform, I witness the heartbreaking impact of fentanyl. I see fans grappling with this tragedy in the form of music … that they seek solace in music and hope that their experiences won’t befall others,” said Jelly Roll, who has spoken candidly about his paststruggles with addictionandarrests for drug-related chargesbefore.
“These are the people I’m here to speak for, y’all,” he continued. “These people crave reassurance that their elected officials actually care more about human life than they do about ideology and partisanship.”
Jelly Roll in Nashville at the CMA Awards.Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
“I’ve attended more funerals than I care to share with you all [on] this committee,” the “Son of a Sinner” singer shared. “I could sit here and cry for days about the caskets I’ve carried of people I loved dearly, deeply in my soul — good people, not just drug addicts. Uncles, friends, cousins, normal people, some people that just got in a car wreck and started taking a pain pill to manage it. One thing led to the other and how fast it spirals out of control — I don’t think people truly, truly understand.”
During his speech, the singer-songwriter looked to other epidemics, such as crack cocaine and oxycontin, as examples to tell the Senate “to be proactive and not reactive,” starting with passing the FEND Off Fentanyl Act.
Jelly Roll performs in Washington, D.C. in December 2023.Theo Wargo/Getty
Theo Wargo/Getty
“I have to be frank and tell you all that if we don’t talk to the other side of Capitol Hill and stop the demand, we are going to spin our tires in the mud,” he said.
The “Save Me” singer concluded, “I stand here as a regular member of society. I am a stupid songwriter, y’all, but I have firsthand witnessed this in a way most people have not. I encourage y’all to not only pass this bill, but I encourage you to bring it up where it matters — at the kitchen table.”
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After the hearing, the hitmakerposted to Instagramto share footage of his speech. “Thank you to the Chairman Senator Brown and Senator Scott for allowing me to speak on behalf of the broken in today’s hearing,” he wrote in the caption. “I pray this message is the beginning of a real change and awareness when it comes to Fentanyl and Drug Addiction in America.”
Since turning to music as a cathartic outlet and breaking out as a country star, Jelly Roll has repeatedly mentioned the challenges he’s overcome in order to be an inspiration for others and become a family man. (The singer and his wifeBunnie XOraise his daughter Bailee Ann; he also also dad to son Noah, 7, from a previous relationship.)
The artist has also expressed how he sees his platform as a way to help others, oftenvisiting juvenile detention centersand other facilities.
He explained to PEOPLE in a December 2023 interviewwhy giving back remains important to him, even amid his breakout success.
“I always said that if I ever got in this situation, I would do everything I could to give back,” he says. “The fact that just me showing up places can make people happy is such a gift, and I feel like if God gave me that gift, I should show up.”
source: people.com
