Country star Jelly Roll made a life-changing gesture for two University of Manitoba students during his concert in Winnipeg on March 17, 2025. Social work students Deandra Courchene and Briana Knott held up signs asking for help with their student loans, and the singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, responded by promising to pay them off.
A video posted by Courchene captured the moment when Jelly Roll paused his performance, turned on the house lights, and told the students, “I’ll tell you what – you don’t got any student loans no more. I’m going to pay them off,” to loud cheers from the audience.
The pair came up with the idea after seeing videos of Jelly Roll interacting with fans at other concerts. They were stunned when he noticed their signs just minutes into the show. The singer made it a condition that they must stay in school to complete their studies. Courchene is set to graduate in 2026, while Knott will finish a year later.
Jelly Roll’s management team has already contacted the students, with further details on the payment to follow. Courchene, a mother of four, expressed relief, saying she had been concerned about repaying the loans after graduation. Knott also shared how the financial support would help her focus on her studies and caregiving responsibilities.
Beyond the concert, Jelly Roll also visited the Manitoba Youth Centre, where he played basketball with inmates. Having spent time in jail himself as a youth, the singer frequently engages in outreach efforts at detention centers while on tour.
Source: Swifteradio.com
