Country music star Jelly Roll says he wants to share his message of hope and redemption with others, but says his criminal record is complicating his ability to travel internationally and perform.

The Tennessee Board of Parole voted unanimously to recommend a pardon for Jelly Roll after a nearly two-hour hearing held in Nashville. The board’s recommendation now goes to Governor Bill Lee, who said “there are steps yet to happen” before a final decision is made about the pardon.