3S. Jelly Roll just “leaked” his most personal song yet in the most unexpected way. While honoring Bunnie XO’s birthday, he let a snippet of his new track “Thorns” play in the background—and the lyrics are cutting deep.

Jelly Roll has never been afraid to show the world who he loves — or why. But this time, he didn’t do it through an interview or a red-carpet quote. He did it through a song that hasn’t even been released yet.

The genre-blending artist recently surprised fans by sharing a short snippet of a brand-new track titled “Thorns.” The song appeared quietly in the background of a deeply personal social media post dedicated to his wife, Bunnie XO, in honor of her birthday. What followed wasn’t just a celebration — it was a public acknowledgment of the woman Jelly Roll credits with changing his life.

“Today we celebrate you, baby,” Jelly wrote, before launching into a powerful tribute. He described Bunnie as “a woman who spends her entire life celebrating everyone else,” someone who encourages, inspires, and stands up for what’s right — even when it’s uncomfortable. He didn’t stop there.

“A woman who is fearless,” he added.
“A woman who is bold.”

Jelly continued by praising Bunnie for lifting other women up and for being brave enough to share her own testimony publicly. “It is said that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the power of our testimony,” he wrote, signaling how deeply faith has become woven into his worldview. He went on to call meeting Bunnie “arguably the most life-changing moment I ever had,” describing her as the foundation of their family — “the single human that turns this house into a home.”

The post ended simply: “I love you endlessly. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.”

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO met in 2015 and married the following year, and they’ve never pretended their relationship was easy. Over the years, they’ve openly discussed some of the most painful chapters of their lives — from their fight to gain custody of Jelly’s daughter, Bailee Ann, to Jelly’s own infidelity, which he addressed candidly in a 2025 interview.

Still, their bond has endured.

After a particularly difficult period last year, it was Bailee who surprised them both with a prom-night celebration for Jelly’s birthday — a symbolic moment, given that neither Jelly nor Bunnie ever experienced prom themselves. It was one of many quiet reminders of how far their family has come.

That emotional weight carries directly into “Thorns.”

The unreleased song plays over a tender video clip showing Jelly and Bunnie embracing on the edge of a bed — intimate, unguarded, real. Over a stripped-down, guitar-driven arrangement, Jelly reflects on his flaws and the darkness he’s known, framing Bunnie as the grounding force that gave his life balance and meaning.

“Every thorn has its rose,” he sings, using vivid imagery to describe redemption, resilience, and love found after loss. He admits he once believed he’d always be alone — until he wasn’t.

Fans are already speculating that “Thorns” may be a preview of Jelly Roll’s upcoming album. The artist has hinted that his next project could be built around a central concept, and in recent months he’s spoken openly about faith, healing, and the freedom he’s found through his fitness journey.

Given the spiritual undertones of “Thorns” — and his powerful collaboration with Brandon Lake on “Hard Fought Hallelujah” — many suspect Jelly may be leaning into a more gospel-influenced direction.

With his last album, Beautifully Broken, earning widespread acclaim and a 2026 Grammy nomination, expectations are high. But if “Thorns” is any indication, Jelly Roll isn’t chasing hits this time.

He’s telling the truth — even when it hurts.

💥 BREAKING NEWS: The unlikely real-life athlete whose true story pushed Adam Sandler to create Happy Gilmore and changed sports comedy forever ⚡.th

Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore has remained embedded in golf culture since its 1996 release.

So much so, that a sequel came out in 2025 featuring all of golf’s biggest superstars, including Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy.

Sandler played a failed hockey player trying to make it in golf, bringing an aggressive attitude and hockey traits into a gentleman’s game.

Gilmore would famously take a run-up before hitting ridiculously long drives off the tee.

But this character wasn’t pulled out of thin air.

Sandler grew up in New Hampshire and was surrounded by friends who were far more used to being on the ice than the fairway, so when they did play golf, they brought a unique style of play. 

And one person in particular was responsible for inspiring the Happy Gilmore character.

The man who inspired Happy Gilmore

The inspiration for Happy Gilmore was Sandler’s childhood friend, Kyle McDonough.

McDonough wasn’t a struggling amateur, however. He was a professional athlete who played in the British Hockey League. 

When playing golf with McDonough, Sandler noticed that he couldn’t help but bring his hockey skills to the game.

McDonough would sometimes take a running start to the ball as Gilmore later did, and would hit a kind of slap-shot with the golf club. 

And it was actually Sandler’s dad who first thought this swing could be translated to comedy.

According to Time Magazine, he said, “There’s something funny in there”.

Little did he know that he’d just inspired a cult classic. 

Where is Kyle McDonough now?

McDonough went on to have a long and successful career in the world of professional Ice Hockey.

He was once a star at the University of Vermont, leading the team to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1988.

After college, he spent 11 professional seasons in Europe, taking his talents to Denmark, Sweden, Scotland and more.

His final season was in 2000, as he retired with Frisk Asker in Norway.

He was then inducted into the UVM Athletic Hall of Fame and the New Hampshire Legends of Hockey.

McDonough is now coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels.

And even better, he’s still friends with Sandler! He once said in an interview with British Ice Hockey that he’s treated like a “King” by the Hollywood star!