If you don’t know who Bunny XO is, you’re probably more likely to know her husband, Jelly Roll—the country-rock artist known for blending country, rock, and hip-hop with raw, honest songs about addiction, redemption, and second chances. Hits like Save Me, Need a Favor, and Son of a Sinner have made him one of the biggest names in music today.
I’ll admit it—I really didn’t know much about Bunny before picking up Stripped Down, Unfiltered, and Unapologetic. But I’m a sucker for a good quit lit memoir, so I figured I’d give it a shot.
What I discovered was a story that was about so much more than being married to a celebrity.
Bunny shares a brutally honest account of a complicated childhood marked by a fractured home, instability, and abuse. She left home at just 17 years old and found herself surviving however she could, eventually becoming a sex worker while spiraling into a devastating meth addiction. Her story doesn’t shy away from the darkest moments, but neither does it let those moments define her.
Today, Bunny is eight years sober and has built a multimillion-dollar media empire through her wildly successful Dumb Blonde podcast. Her memoir is a testament to the power of reinvention and the idea that recovery isn’t just about getting sober—it’s about creating an entirely new life. Beyond the memoir, Bunny has also shared publicly about continuing to prioritize her health, including giving up sugar as part of her ongoing wellness journey. Rather than glamorizing her past, she shares it honestly as part of the complicated path that shaped who she would become.
Why This Memoir Resonated With Me
As someone in recovery, I couldn’t help but read this through a sober lens. Recovery isn’t just about putting down alcohol or drugs. It’s about rebuilding your identity, learning to trust yourself again, and believing that your past doesn’t have to dictate your future.
One of my biggest takeaways from this memoir is that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
Bunny’s story is proof that your past doesn’t have to define your future. She went from surviving addiction and working as a sex worker to making the conscious decision to become the kind of role model she wanted to be for her stepdaughter. From there, she built the incredibly successful Dumb Blonde Podcast, creating a platform where she’s known for honest conversations, humor, and giving people space to share their stories.
That message really resonated with me. Reinvention doesn’t erase where we’ve been—it honors it while choosing a different path forward. Whether you’re getting sober, changing careers, leaving an unhealthy relationship, or simply deciding you want more from life, Bunny’s story is a reminder that your next chapter can look completely different from your last.
I also appreciated that Bunny doesn’t portray recovery as a single defining moment. Like so many people in sobriety, her transformation happened one decision at a time. The courage to ask for something different, to create healthier relationships, and to continue growing is what makes her story so relatable. Recovery isn’t just about quitting a substance—it’s about building a life you no longer want to escape from.
For readers who are sober or sober curious, this memoir offers hope without pretending the journey is easy. It reminds us that healing isn’t linear and that our greatest struggles can eventually become the foundation for helping others.
Final Thoughts
It was a compelling story of someone who endured tremendous adversity and refused to let it define the rest of her life. While I picked up this book because I love a good quit lit memoir, I finished it feeling inspired by the resilience of someone who kept choosing growth over staying stuck.
If there’s one lesson I took away, it’s this: no matter where you’ve been or what your past looks like, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Bunny’s story is living proof of that.
#QUITLIT Sobees Score: 4.5 out of 5
Bunnie XO & Jelly Roll: Coloring Book for Adults
This is a coloring book of your favorite trailer trash power couple, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, aka The DeFords! 50 pages of some highlight moments and photos. It also has the trashy rave reviews to go with it; 2.8 Stars!! Love it or hate it; it’s just a coloring book.
Bunnie Opens Up About Becoming Sober & Helping Jelly Roll On His Own Journey
Bunnie Xo Clarifies “Breaking” Her Sobriety With Jelly Roll in Italy | E! News
External Resources
SOBER POP CULTURE + CELEBS at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
#QUITLIT: Sober Celebrity Memoirs Worth Reading: Books Written by People Who’ve Actually Been There
PLAY IT AGAIN – MUSIC: Sober Playlist Picks – Songs and Sober Artists That Make Recovery Feel Loud, Honest, and Alive
You don’t need a sobriety date to be here.
Sober, sober-curious, “just taking a break,” California sober and questioning it… The Sober Sip doesn’t check IDs at the door.
If you want the culture without the lecture, get on the list. Free, three times a week.
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
Is Stripped Down, Unfiltered, and Unapologetic about addiction and recovery?
Yes. Bunny XO openly shares her experiences with addiction, trauma, and the path that ultimately led to sobriety. Recovery is one of the central themes of the memoir, making it a meaningful read for anyone interested in stories of healing and transformation.
Is Bunny XO sober?
Yes. Bunny XO has been sober for eight years and speaks candidly about how recovery has changed every aspect of her life, from her relationships to her career and personal growth.
Do I need to know who Bunny XO or Jelly Roll are before reading this memoir?
Not at all. I knew very little about Bunny before reading the book, and I still found it to be a compelling story. Whether you’re familiar with her or not, the memoir stands on its own as a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and hope.
Is Stripped Down, Unfiltered, and Unapologetic considered quit lit?
Absolutely. While the memoir also explores family, relationships, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, addiction and recovery are at the heart of Bunny’s story, making it a great addition to the quit lit genre.
Who should read Bunny XO’s memoir?
This memoir is perfect for readers who enjoy recovery memoirs, celebrity memoirs with substance, stories of overcoming adversity, and books about personal growth. If you love memoirs that remind you it’s never too late to change your life, this one belongs on your reading list.
