Jelly Roll Says 'Change Is Possible' as He Is Recommended for Pardon in Tennessee Over Crimes Committed in His Youth: Report

• On Tuesday, April 22, the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended country singer Jelly Roll be pardoned for crimes committed in his youth
• Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall announced on X that the final decision is now in the hands of Governor Lee
• Per the Associated Press, Jelly told the board that he wants to be “an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible”

Jelly Roll is making a significant step forward in correcting his criminal past.

The country music star, 40, was recommended for a pardon by the Tennessee Board of Parole on Tuesday, April 22.

Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall announced on X, “A year ago, I wrote Gov. Bill Lee asking for a full Pardon for Jason ‘Jelly Roll’ Deford … today the Board unanimously recommended his Pardon.” Hall confirmed that the final decision is “now in the hands” of Gov. Lee.

Alongside his message, he shared photos of himself and Jelly chatting and hugging in what appeared to be a boardroom where the decision took place.

The board made its non-binding unanimous recommendation in a hearing that lasted one hour and 45 minutes, with several witnesses, including Hall, the Associated Press reported. One board member recused themselves from voting, according to the outlet.

Jelly hopes to be absolved from his past crimes and be allowed to travel internationally to perform, a challenge he has faced over the years because of his criminal past.

He said in response to the board’s decision, per AP, “This was incredible. I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.”

As noted by the outlet, the “Save Me” singer told the parole board, “I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible. One of the reasons I’m asking for your recommendation … is because I’m looking to take my message of redemption … [across] the rest of the world.”

Jely has been jailed more than 40 times for various drug charges after being arrested for the first time at 14 years old. He has been open about his criminal past as he has spread his message of redemption.

Back in December 2022, the musician told PEOPLE about his incarceration as a teen. “I was in and out of there for about three, three and a half years. I spent a lot of time there and eventually got charged as an adult for a crime I committed as a juvenile,” he said.

“And I just realized that was the most impactful thing that ever happened in my life, and the darkest moments of my life still were being that 15-year-old scared kid spending Thanksgiving away from his family.”

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In July 2024, Jelly performed internationally for the first time. He played in Canada after noting that he had trouble booking international venues due to his past felonies. 

PEOPLE has contacted Jelly Roll and the Tennessee Board of Parole for comment, but did not immediately hear back.