Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The country star expressed gratitude to the organizers for allowing him to share his style of therapeutic music in honor of those who have served globally.
Jelly Roll Honors Veterans with Emotional Performance at Invictus Games Closing Ceremony
Jelly Roll showed his deep appreciation for military service members and veterans during Prince Harry’s Invictus Games.
On February 16, the country star performed at the Closing Ceremony of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. Announced as a headliner in November 2024, the “Save Me” singer shared the stage with Barenaked Ladies and The War and Treaty. The Americana duo, featuring husband and wife Michael and Tanya Trotter, has a personal connection to the event, as Michael is a U.S. veteran.
With emotion in his voice, Jelly Roll, 40, addressed the audience: “I am honored to stand in front of some of the greatest and strongest people across the entire world tonight. My name is Jason ‘Jelly Roll’ DeFord, and this song is called ‘I Am Not Okay.'”
Holding his hat in hand, he received cheers from the crowd, shaking hands and embracing athletes before taking the stage to perform his Grammy-nominated ballad.
As he looked around, he shared a heartfelt message with those in attendance.
Jelly Roll began by expressing his gratitude to the Invictus Games organizers for the opportunity to perform. “First and foremost, I want to thank everyone at the Invictus Games for allowing me to be here tonight and share my style of therapeutic music in honor of those who have served us around the world,” he said.
He then shifted the spotlight to the true stars of the night. “I want to make one thing clear—what’s happening on this stage isn’t about me. I’m just a guy with a microphone. The real heroes are the athletes and their families here tonight,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead to the challenges participants may face after the games, he offered words of encouragement. “When the adrenaline fades, when the world settles down in the months ahead, I want you to remember this: If you ever hear a voice in your head telling you that you can’t be anything but great, know that voice is lying to you!” With that powerful statement, he launched into his song Liar.
Jelly Roll’s powerful performance took place on the final day of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler, which began on February 8 with an electrifying Opening Ceremony and wrapped up with the Closing Ceremony on Sunday.
Prince Harry, 40, a former British Army captain, founded the Invictus Games in 2014 as a global sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick veterans. Launched in London, the Games highlight the transformative power of sports in the recovery process, with this year’s event in Canada marking its seventh edition.
Prince Harry acknowledged the ongoing need for the Invictus Games, stating, “I wish we didn’t have to hold these Games, but as long as there’s a need, we will continue.”
Looking ahead, he expressed excitement about the tournament’s return to its origins. “The U.K. is eager to welcome the Games back to where it all began in just over two years,” he said, referring to the 2027 event in Birmingham, England.
This year’s Invictus Games brought together over 500 athletes from 23 nations, competing across Vancouver and Whistler in a week filled with sports, unity, and camaraderie. Notably, winter sports made their debut, and the event returned to Canada—a former host nation—for the first time.
Upon seeing his new ink, Prince Harry playfully reacted, “Is that your name? Does that say Jelly Roll? You put your name on my neck?!” The faux tattoo humorously read “I am Jelly Roll,” a nod to the Invictus Games’ “I am” logo.
As he walked away, Jelly Roll called out, “I’ll see you in Vancouver! I’ll be there, I appreciate you!”
While the tattoo skit was all in good fun, Scott Moore, CEO of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, later revealed that Prince Harry had a deeply meaningful vision for the Closing Ceremony, which shaped the event’s direction throughout the week.