A LITTLE GIRL STEALS JELLY ROLL’S POPCORN—AND HIS HEART—AT MOVIE PREMIERE
On June 12, 2025, the red carpet at the Nashville premiere of Twisters was buzzing with excitement, but no one anticipated the heartwarming moment that would steal the show. Country-rap star Jelly Roll, 40, known for his soulful hits like “Son of a Sinner” and his larger-than-life personality, found himself upstaged by a pint-sized fan named Emma, a seven-year-old with a love for popcorn and a fearless spirit. The adorable exchange, witnessed by fans and media, quickly went viral, melting hearts across the globe.
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, arrived at the premiere in his signature casual style, clutching a bucket of popcorn as he greeted fans. As he posed for photos, Emma, decked out in a sparkly dress and clutching her mother’s hand, spotted the singer’s snack. With the confidence only a child can muster, she reached up and swiped a handful of popcorn from his bucket. Caught off guard, Jelly Roll let out a hearty chuckle and whispered, “Hey, kid, that’s my snack!” Unfazed, Emma grinned and replied, “My mom says sharing is caring, Mr. Jelly!” The crowd erupted in laughter, with nearby fans letting out a chorus of “awws” at the charming moment.
The exchange didn’t end there. Jelly Roll, clearly smitten by Emma’s spunk, crouched down to her level and handed her the entire popcorn bucket. “You win, Emma,” he said with a wink. “But you gotta save some for me, deal?” Emma nodded enthusiastically, her eyes wide with delight. Her mother, Sarah, later told reporters, “Emma’s been singing ‘Save Me’ all week. Meeting Jelly Roll was her dream, but stealing his popcorn? That was all her!” The heartwarming interaction was captured on video, spreading like wildfire on X, where fans praised Jelly Roll’s kindness. One user posted, “Jelly Roll’s reaction to Emma is pure gold. This man’s heart is as big as his music!”
The moment resonated because it showcased Jelly Roll’s genuine connection with his fans, a hallmark of his rise from a troubled past to Grammy-nominated stardom. Known for his authenticity, he’s often seen engaging with supporters at concerts and events. At the premiere, he stayed longer than planned, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans, including Emma, who proudly showed off her popcorn bucket. “He’s so nice,” Emma told a local news outlet. “I’m gonna share my candy with him next time!”
The story took on added poignance given recent rumors falsely placing Jelly Roll on the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives, including the family of Pratik Joshi. His team quickly debunked the claims, and Jelly Roll himself addressed fans on X: “I’m safe and grateful to be here with y’all. Let’s spread love today.” The Emma incident became a beacon of joy amid the somber news, reminding fans of his resilience and warmth.
The Twisters premiere, attended by stars like Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, was a celebration of cinema, but Emma and Jelly Roll stole the spotlight. The singer later shared a photo with Emma on Instagram, captioning it, “This little popcorn thief made my night! Keep shining, Emma!” As the video racked up millions of views, fans worldwide celebrated the moment as a reminder of the simple, human connections that make life special. Jelly Roll’s music may tell stories of redemption, but his encounter with Emma proved he’s living that story every day.
Jelly Roll and Emma’s Heartwar
