Jelly Roll Calls On Senate To Battle ‘Heartbreaking’ Fentanyl Crisis

Published: January 15, 2024

Jelly Roll Calls On Senate To Battle ‘Heartbreaking’ Fentanyl Crisis

By Movieguide® Contributor

Country star Jelly Roll is one of the many voices calling on lawmakers to take action in the fentanyl crisis.

“At every concert I perform, I witness the heartbreaking impact of fentanyl,” the artist said during a Senate hearing about the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. “I see fans grappling with this tragedy in the form of music…that they seek solace in music and hope that their experiences won’t befall others.”

Jelly Roll continued, “These are the people I’m here to speak for, y’all. These people crave reassurance that their elected officials actually care more about human life than they do about ideology and partisanship.”

The singer shared that he has attended many funerals for people who have been affected by the drug — “good people, not just drug addicts. Uncles, friends, cousins, normal people, some people that just got in a car wreck and started taking a pain pill to manage it. One thing led to the other and how fast it spirals out of control — I don’t think people truly, truly understand.”

He speaks from experience: the country singer has dealt with his own addiction issues in the past.

“I’ve made a lot of peace with my past,” he told PEOPLE. “I mean, it still haunts me like the ghosts I know, but I tell you what, I don’t think about doing no drugs today. As far as today goes, I don’t know about tomorrow, but I can tell you, today, right now, I’m happy.”

“I was a part of the problem,” Jelly Roll told the Senate committee. “I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”

He then called on the Senate to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, saying, “I stand here as a regular member of society. I am a stupid songwriter, y’all, but I have firsthand witnessed this in a way most people have not. I encourage y’all to not only pass this bill, but I encourage you to bring it up where it matters — at the kitchen table.”

The singer posted footage of his speech to Instagram, writing, “Thank you to the Chairman Senator Brown And Senator Scott for allowing me to speak on behalf of the broken in todays hearing. I pray this message is the beginning of a real change and awareness when it comes to Fentanyl and Drug Addiction in America.”