Late February, the mother of Jelly Roll’s child was charged with drug possession. It’s a headline for us but a crushing event for her family that has fought so hard to escape the inky realm of addiction.

Jelly Roll has been incredibly open about all aspects of his life, even the darker moments. Seeing his ex-wife get done for drug-related activity wasn’t the worst of it, however. It was watching his daughter see it, too.

The singer sat down on the Pivot Podcast where he broke his silence on the event. The podcast clipped the moment and shared it to Instagram.

“I’m passionate about broken people, in all forms,” he opened. “My child’s mother has struggled with drug addiction since my daughter’s been born, pretty much. I’ve seen the effect that it had on her.”

This issue doesn’t just hit close to home for Jelly Roll, it has been his home for years.

“I’ve got a 17-year-old upstairs that it’s truly affected her life,” he shared. “It’s really hurt her.”

He then went on to say that “The addict is not the victim in that situation. The family is.” Very powerful words from someone who’s speaking from authority. He clarified that the addict is a victim of the disease. But their family are also impacted by their usage.

Jelly Roll Recalls Moment He Learned Of His Ex-Wife’s Charges

Jelly Roll remembered the moment someone sent him a news link to the event.

Seeing a headline about a family member before having someone or some authority break the news must be a uniquely isolating experience.

“I’ve invited the world into our living room, so we’ve just got to accept what comes with that. This is my fault, more than anybody’s,” he reflected.

“It broke my daughter’s heart.” Although Bailee Ann knows her mother is a drug addict, “having to see the mug shot” is brutal.

He choked up thinking about having to watch her “go through it all over again.”

“I forgot because I’m 40, and I’ve done a lot of therapy, and I’ve done a lot of work, and I have a relationship with God.” Jelly Roll shared that his path to acceptance and redemption has been a long one. Finding his faith has been a huge part of that, too.

The same can’t exactly be said for his daughter, however. “She’s 16, she don’t have any of them tools. She’s still gaining those tools.”

It’s a heartbreaking watch and a harrowing situation. I can only hope they can get through this very public and private ordeal together.