By ZACHARY HORVATH
January 27, 2026 |
For years, reports have indicated that disgraced R and B singer R Kelly would not be released until 2045. That timeline now appears to be locked in, with the 59 year old expected to remain incarcerated for another 19 years before regaining his freedom. According to CBS News via RapTV, December 21 continues to stand as his projected release date.
It remains somewhat unclear why the release timeline has resurfaced in headlines. One possibility is that any remaining hope of early release has effectively been shut down. Kelly’s latest attempt to alter his situation came in August 2025, when the Chicago native sought to have the U.S. Attorney’s Office removed from his case. That request was denied by Judge Martha Pacold.
In her decision, Pacold sharply criticized the motion, characterizing it as excessive. “To warrant such an extraordinary intrusion into the affairs of a coequal branch as the disqualification of an entire USAO, a defendant must make an equally extraordinary showing. Kelly’s motion does not meet that standard.”
Kelly has also filed requests for a new trial and for immediate placement in home confinement, but neither effort has been successful.
R Kelly Making Music In Prison
Since his transfer to a medium security prison in 2023, Kelly has found ways to stay occupied. When he is not challenging the legal process, he has reportedly continued working on music.
Earlier this month, a recording surfaced of the singer performing over “It Depends” by Chris Brown, sparking backlash after several influential figures appeared to promote it. Chris Brown and Teddy Riley both shared the clip on Instagram, leaving many observers confused.
Along with posting birthday wishes, Riley seemed to tease additional material on the way. “Still the King of R&B Bar None!!!! Can’t wait for yall to hear the new music!!! Til then teaser missiles will be dropping!!! It’s about that time for real music!!! #legendary #letsgo!!! R. KELLY THE KING!!! [crown emoji HAPPY BDAY [crown emoji].”
Kelly is currently serving a 30 year sentence, even though his projected release remains roughly 19 years away. In 2021, he was convicted in New York on charges including racketeering, sexual exploitation of children, forced labor, and sex trafficking. The following year, a Chicago case resulted in additional convictions on three counts of producing child pornography and three counts of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Most of those sentences are being served concurrently.
