Jelly Roll, the singer known for his raw honesty about his past struggles with drug charges and time spent in jail, made a powerful impact this week by visiting detainees in Minnesota ahead of his Minneapolis concert on May 20. His visit to the Adult Detention Center at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office surprised many, with the sheriff’s office sharing on social media that they were “reeling” from the heartfelt appearance.
At 40 years old, Jelly Roll shared his journey openly with those incarcerated, reflecting on his early life. “When I was 13 years old, I caught my first criminal charge… I would spend the next thirteen years in and out of the system,” he told the detainees. During one stint in jail, he earned his GED—a turning point that eventually gave him a new sense of purpose, though not initially in music. “I didn’t go home to become rich and famous… I just wanted to be the dad I didn’t have,” he said.
Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt praised Jelly Roll’s story as a shining example of how jail programs can truly change lives. “Jail time shouldn’t be wasted time. Jelly Roll shows us the power of second chances,” she said. Witt also thanked Sheriff Hall of Davidson County and Sheriff Swanson of Genesee County for recognizing Jelly Roll’s potential and championing the importance of jail programs.
Adding a touch of humor to the emotional visit, Sheriff Witt joked she was now Jelly Roll’s “new favorite sheriff” before presenting him with an honorary jail key from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
Though Jelly Roll’s story unfolded in Minnesota, it resonates far beyond—including in states like Wyoming—where communities and law enforcement continue to explore how rehabilitation and support programs can help turn lives around and give hope to those behind bars.
