Country Now News

Thirty years after its original release, John Prine’s Grammy-nominated 1995 album, Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings, has been re-issued digitally and released on vinyl for the first time on September 12, and features five unreleased demos and a new track, “Hey Ah Nothin’.” Produced by Howie Epstein during a transformative period when Prine was a first-time father, new husband, and Grammy winner, the album captures an open-hearted, confident, and joyous artist exploring his craft without pressure. As Fiona Prine, the late country star’s widow, reflects, the album embodies “John being John,” revealing his warmth, honesty, and creative freedom. "I do think of it as a time when he felt he had more permission to explore," Fiona recalls. "All I remember around that time was he had this big grin on his face.” With this reissue, Fiona says she hopes that fans “hear a man really at the top of his game,” while adding, “But I think John Prine comes through above all." (Holler)

On Wednesday (September 17), Bunnie XO announced the upcoming publication of her memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, which is set to be released on February 10, 2026. The book features Bunnie – the 45-year-old host of the Dumb Blonde podcast and wife of Grammy-nominated country star Jelly Roll – candidly recounting her journey from an abused runaway battling addiction in a Las Vegas trailer park to reclaiming her power through sex work and ultimately achieving personal success. "This book is heartbreak and healing, trauma and triumph, love and betrayal — it’s the ashes I’ve risen from, stitched together with the lessons that shaped me into the woman I am today," Bunnie said about the book. As to what she hopes readers take from the life lessons she shares in her memoir, Bunnie says, "My deepest hope is that as you turn these pages, you’ll feel every emotion with me. And although I’ve left that lifestyle behind, I’ve stripped down one last time and bared my soul for the world to see.” (People)

Lady A’s Charles Kelley and his wife Cassie joyfully welcomed their second son, Archer Lancaster Kelley, on September 16. The newborn baby boy weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz., and joins the couple’s 9-year-old son Ward. “Our little miracle Archer Lancaster Kelley arrived at 11:14 am on Sept. 16 and we are absolutely in love," the couple shared. "We are so thankful to get to be his mom and dad, and to share the joy with his big brother, Ward, who is over the moon!” Charles and Cassie, who have been married since 2009, initially shared their pregnancy news in March via Instagram, writing at the time, “Biggest surprise of our lives! Baby Kelley coming early fall 2025 🍼👶🏻🤰🏼 Big brother is the MOST excited 💛💛💛.” Throughout Cassie’s pregnancy, she shared heartfelt updates and celebrations on social media, reflecting on their journey as parents after overcoming fertility challenges before Ward’s birth in 2016. (People)

Walker Hayes’ new album, 17 Problems, released in August, reflects his mid-life perspective by exploring deep themes like love, regret, faith, doubt, grief, and hope alongside everyday moments with his family. Following the massive success of his 2021 hit, “Fancy Like,” which has just been certified 7x-platinum, Hayes cherishes simple joys such as touring with his wife and six kids, while cherishing intimate family moments at home and on the road. Despite the pressure to replicate his breakout hit, Hayes embraces vulnerability and creativity in his recent singles, "AA," "U Gurl" and "Good with Me." "It’s silly pressure," he says. "I honestly saw how that can really kill an artist. Getting to that mountaintop can damage creativity." Hayes is about to embark on an 18-date acoustic Unplugged Tour starting on October 17, which was inspired in part by Bruce Springsteen's intimate Broadway shows. (People)

During the red carpet event before the Emmy Awards on Sunday night (September 14), Reba McEntire gave an update about how Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s children are doing after their dad’s death last month after a three-year battle with cancer. “Well, we miss him. We miss him every minute,” McEntire shared. “The kids are doing well. They’re all bonding together and hanging out with each other and taking it one day at a time. We know God’s got this.” McEntire, Brandon’s former stepmother through her marriage to his father Narvel Blackstock, was also asked how her son Shelby – Brandon’s step-brother – is doing, with Reba responding, “Shelby’s doing great, thank you for asking.” McEntire shared some additional good news during the red carpet festivities, announcing her engagement to actor Rex Linn after five years of dating. (Billboard)

Noeline Hofmann credits country legend Wynonna Judd as being her guiding "north star" and "fairy godmother" who has been kind and encouraging throughout her rapid rise in the music industry, including during their memorable joint performance at CMA Fest 2025. Hofman was just nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards, and within that same week the rising Canadian country singer made her debut performances at both the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. "I'm feeling caught in the whirlwind, but in the best way,” she reflects. “It's just so surreal, and talk about a heck of a week in Nashville." Hofmann, known for her debut album and lead single, Purple Gas, has made a series of high-profile live appearances at Stagecoach, Railbird, and Laurel Cove Music Festival, and was recently named the winner of the 2025 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association. (People)

Riley Green, fresh off receiving four CMA Award nominations last week, has just announced the dates and details of his 2026 Cowboy As It Gets arena tour. The 20-date jaunt will run from April 16 in Southaven, Mississippi, to August 22 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and will feature the country star’s first headline show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Green revealed that he plans to release new music ahead of the tour, admitting that it’s “so great to be able to play the songs on the road and see what songs raise their hands. [Fans] will let you know if it’s one they like. They’ll sing it louder than the others.” The tour’s name is inspired by a track from the deluxe version of Green’s recent album, Don’t Mind If I Do, and the dates will feature support from Justin Moore alongside a rotating cast of openers including Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Hannah McFarland, Adam Hood, and Zach John King. Ticket presales began September 16, with general on-sales starting Friday (September 19). (Billboard)

Morgan Wallen concluded his blockbuster 2025 I'm the Problem Tour with a sold-out finale at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday night (September 13), thanking his dedicated fans for their unwavering support. Despite initially scheduling fewer shows than usual, Wallen found the tour’s pace ideal and expressed enthusiasm for potentially playing more dates in the near future. “I just want to say thank you guys for the energy that you guys have brought me this entire year,” Wallen announced from the stage. “I don't think there's a better fanbase on the entire planet than the one that I have, so thank you guys for that.” Over the course of the limited but highly successful run, which reached over a million fans, Wallen delivered energetic performances featuring hits from his acclaimed album, I’m the Problem, which spent twelve weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Wallen’s shows also featured a series of special collaborations with opening acts Ella Langley, Brooks & Dunn, and Miranda Lambert. (Holler)

Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce attended Patrick Mahomes' 29th birthday party following the Kansas City Chiefs' first home game of the season on Sunday (September 14). The event was held at 1587 Prime, the steakhouse in Kansas City owned by Kelce and Mahomes, with country star Kane Brown sharing a group photo from the party on Instagram. Swift, dressed in a chic taupe and brown plaid two-piece set by Simkhai, joined Kelce, who wore a white shirt and navy Thom Browne suit shorts, alongside Mahomes and his wife Brittany, and Brown and his wife Katelyn. Brown captioned his post, “happy birthday Pat & congrats TT❤️ thanks for hosting us Britt 🙏🏽.” The couple, who announced their engagement on Instagram in August, enjoyed the celebration after Swift cheered on Kelce and the Chiefs during their game against the Philadelphia Eagles, a Super Bowl rematch that the Eagles won 20-17. Swift is preparing to release her highly-anticipated upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, which is set to drop on October 3. (People)

Brad Paisley humorously celebrated his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley's 54th birthday on Sunday (September 14) by announcing the newest addition to their family, a newborn donkey on their farm. The country superstar shared a photo of Kimberly with the infant animal on Instagram, and joked about the unusual combination of the two announcements. “A beautiful donkey was just born on our farm,” Paisley captioned his post. “Speaking of, it's the beautiful @kimberlywilliamspaisley's birthday today! Happy birthday! As I write this I realize what a bad idea it may have been to combine the two announcements. I'm not saying they are in any way similar.” Kimberly playfully commented on the post, “A hundred bucks says if that donkey wasn’t born on our farm, he’d have forgotten it was my birthday.” The couple, who began dating after Kimberly starred in one of Brad's music videos in 2001, married in 2003 and have two sons, William and Jasper. (People)

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn, who first met in the 1990s and began dating in 2020, are now engaged. The news was first revealed during a red carpet interview at the 2025 Emmy Awards, and later confirmed by People. McEntire, 70, and Linn, 68, bonded during quarantine after reconnecting following the death of the country superstar’s mother, and have been “pretty much inseparable ever since," according to Reba. The couple share a strong connection both personally and professionally, as they are currently co-starring on the NBC sitcom Happy’s Place, after also appearing on Young Sheldon together. Known for their playful and supportive relationship, they describe themselves as best friends who enjoy a "perfect union" rooted in shared interests and a love for the cowboy lifestyle, with Linn saying of their partnership, "We are best friends. We wanna cross the finish line with each other in a relationship.” (People)

Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes have ended their nearly three-year relationship, a representative for Ballerini confirms. An inside source close to the former couple says, “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t. It happens." This announcement comes only three days after the Outer Banks star shared an Instagram post celebrating the country musician’s birthday on Friday (September 12), featuring a carousel of photos of the seemingly happy couple alongside the affectionate caption: “Although you keep saying you’re not excited for 32, I'd say I’m lookin forward to more of this. happy birthday my love ❤️.” The pair, who first sparked dating rumors in January 2023 and went public in April that year, had openly discussed the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship amid their busy careers, while Ballerini’s recent album, Patterns, reflected the complexities of their romance. (People)

Jelly Roll, who once struggled to perform overseas due to past felonies, made a remarkable comeback by singing his collaboration "Hard Fought Hallelujah" with Brandon Lake at the Grace for the World event in Vatican City's St. Peter’s Square on Saturday (September 13). His visit also included a memorable meeting with Pope Leo XIV, which Jelly Roll celebrated on Instagram as a journey "from rock bottom to holy ground." Directed by Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli, the historic concert – the first at the Vatican in 2,000 years – featured a star-studded lineup including Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, and Karol G. In addition to the performance, Jelly shared a subsequent post capturing his dramatic weight loss journey. The country singer has lost nearly 200 pounds since 2022 by overcoming food addiction and changing his lifestyle, and he showcased his dramatic weight loss by wearing a Louis Vuitton outfit at the event in Vatican City. Sharing a photo of himself in the designer look, he humorously captioned the post, “I can fit in Louis Vuitton now. Pray for my bank account.” (People)

HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from the chart-topping soundtrack to Netflix’s smash film KPop Demon Hunters, notches a fifth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the longest-leading hit by an animated act in the chart’s 67-year history. Two previous songs by cartoon bands each reigned at No. 1 for four weeks: The Archies, with “Sugar, Sugar” in 1969, and The Chipmunks with David Seville, with “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” during the holiday season in 1958. KPop Demon Hunters extends its record as the first soundtrack to generate four simultaneous Hot 100 Top 10s in chart history, placing those same songs in the tally's upper tier for a fourth straight week, with Saja Boys’ “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” both moving up a spot to return to their respective Nos. 4 and 5 peaks, and HUNTR/X’s “How It’s Done” ascends one slot to a reach a new high of No. 8.

The rest of the Hot 100 Top 10 is rounded out by Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” holding at No. 2, while Sabrina Carpenter places two songs in the region, as “Manchild” rises one spot to No. 3 while “Tears” falls three slots to No. 6. Morgan Wallen’s “What I Want,” featuring Tate McRae, remains at No. 7, Ravyn Lenae’s “Love Me Not” falls one spot to No. 9, and Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” moves up one slot to No. 10. (Billboard)

On Friday (September 12), Garth Brooks was announced as the first headliner for BST Hyde Park 2026, with the performance set to take place on June 27 in London. That will mark Brooks’ first UK concert in nearly three decades, with the country legend previously playing a show in Belfast, Northern Ireland back in 1988. Festival CEO Jim King said in a statement: “Announcing Garth Brooks as our first BST Hyde Park headliner for 2026 is a landmark moment. He joins the line of legendary artists who have defined BST over the years. A true global icon, Garth’s songs have connected with audiences everywhere, and his influence has paved the way for many of the country stars we celebrate today. His first UK performance in nearly three decades promises to be an unforgettable occasion at Hyde Park.” This announcement follows Brooks being named the headliner for the kickoff to Milwaukee’s Summerfest 2026 on June 16-17. Artist pre-sale for his London show starts September 16, with general on-sales beginning September 18. (Holler)

Farm Aid 40 will proceed as planned on September 20 at the University of Minnesota’s Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, following a labor agreement reached on Saturday (September 13) between the university and striking Teamsters Local 320 workers, ending recent uncertainty over the festival. Event organizers expressed their gratitude for the resolution on Instagram, writing: “We are thrilled to confirm that Farm Aid 40 will go forward in Minneapolis as planned. For four decades, Farm Aid has stood with farmers and workers. Today's agreement is a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together in the spirit of fairness and solidarity.”  This year’s iteration of Farm Aid will celebrate the event’s 40th anniversary, with headliners including Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney, Margo Price, and Billy Strings. The event is expected to bring in over 50,000 attendees, and since its founding in 1985, Farm Aid has raised more than $85 million “to promote a strong and resilient family farm system.” (Billboard) 

Russell Dickerson makes a long-awaited return to No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “Happen to Me,” marking the country star’s fifth chart-topper of his career. The song is from Dickerson’s brand new album, Famous Back Home, which debuted at No. 34 on Top Country Albums. Dickerson, who began his career with four consecutive No. 1 hits, broke a nearly five-year gap between chart leaders, the longest drought since Brad Paisley’s seven year hiatus between 2015-2022. In addition to topping Country Airplay, “Happen to Me” is also crossing over on other Billboard charts, reaching No. 21 on Adult Pop and No. 40 on Pop Airplay. Meanwhile, Chase Matthew earned his second career-opening Top 10 on Country Airplay with “Darlin’,” which climbed two places to No. 10. This move continues the chart success that began with Matthew’s debut single, “Love You Again,” which reached No. 9 last September. (Billboard)

Zach Bryan and Gavin Adcock nearly came to blows at the Born & Raised Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma, on Saturday (September 13). The altercation follows an ongoing public feud between the two country stars that began earlier this summer. Video footage shows Bryan attempting to scale a barbed-wire fence to confront Adcock, who was scheduled to perform shortly after, leading to a heated verbal altercation from opposite sides of the fence. The dispute escalated with Bryan shoving the fence and shouting at Adcock, “Hey, do you want to fight like a man? Come open the gate,” before security intervened. Adcock shared footage of the incident on Instagram, writing over the clip, “When you get death threats from Sack Cryin before you headline in his hometown,” while humorously captioning his post, “Eat a Snickers bro.” Their feud originated from a disagreement over Bryan’s crude response to a 14-year-old fan seeking an autograph following his show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which Adcock publicly criticized. (Billboard)

During her Nashville show on Thursday night (September 11), Tate McRae invited country star Megan Moroney onstage for a duet of Moroney’s hit, “6 Months Later.” The surprise collaboration thrilled the sold-out crowd at Bridgestone Arena, with McRae proclaiming “I’m such a massive fan” as she introduced Moroney before their duet. Moroney shared a post-show photo of the two singers together, captioning her post, “girls!,” while McRae commented, “My queen forever.” Both artists recently performed at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, where McRae won Song of the Summer for “Just Keep Watching,” and Moroney won Best Country. McRae will bring her Miss Possessive World Tour through Texas and the West Coast through the end of the month, while Moroney’s Am I Okay? Tour just hit Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday night for her first ever headlining stadium show, where Megan brought out Kenny Chesney for a duet on “You Had To Be There.” (Rolling Stone)

The soundtrack to Netflix’s hit animated film, KPop Demon Hunters, claims No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart for the very first time, rising one spot to top this week’s chart, after spending seven nonconsecutive weeks in the runner-up slot. The soundtrack earned 128,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. over the past seven days, marking the best week yet for the hit collection. The surge was propelled by the album’s deluxe reissue on September 5, alongside the CD release of the soundtrack that same day. The set becomes the first soundtrack to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in three-and-a-half years, since Encanto’s nine-week run at the top in 2022.

Other notable moves in this week’s Top 10 include Justin Bieber’s SWAG jumping up 13 spots to reach No. 4 following its expanded deluxe release, SWAG II, which features 23 additional tracks, and sombr’s I Barely Know Her cracks the Top 10 for the first time, rising two slots to reach No. 10 in its third week of release. The rest of the Billboard 200 Top 10 is rounded out by Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, which falls to No. 2 after debuting at No. 1 last week, followed by Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem holding at No. 3, Alex Warren’s You’ll Be Alright, Kid remaining at No. 5, SZA’s SOS climbing three spots to No. 6, Wallen’s One Thing at a Time dropping one slot to No. 7, Stray Kids’ KARMA falling four places to No. 8, and Gunna’s The Last Wun falling one spot to No. 9. (Billboard)