Maren Morris is pulling no punches about the tough realities women face in country music.
Country music artist Maren Morris recently opened up about her experiences as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, sharing her thoughts in a candid TikTok video. Morris, 35, reflected on her journey and the challenges she’s faced throughout her career, noting the impact of political changes on the country music scene.
Morris recounted her early success with her hit song “My Church,” which garnered significant radio play and earned her a Grammy nomination. However, she recognized how her career developed alongside the political atmosphere that emerged during Donald Trump’s presidency. “My first album, Hero, came out in June of 2016, and everything felt political, even if people weren’t fully aware of it at the time,” she stated.
The singer described the last decade as a rollercoaster ride influenced by shifting political tides, stating, “It’s been quite interesting to see the country music space become very politicized.” After experiencing personal changes, including a divorce, Morris expressed her feelings of isolation within the industry, saying, “It’s been very hot. Like, no one is very friendly.”
In October 2023, it was reported that Morris filed for divorce from her husband, Ryan Hurd, after five years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple shares a son, Hayes, born in March 2020. Reflecting on her current state, Morris described feeling like she’s in a “weird music space” and has distanced herself from certain industry events and award shows due to the tension she’s felt.
While acknowledging that some individuals in the industry are supportive, Morris claimed that overall, the environment has been “dicey” and less welcoming over the past few years. “I don’t really go to them anymore, but it’s been very heated,” she noted. Moreover, she emphasized the importance of being politically aware as a songwriter, asserting, “You cannot reflect reality without being political.”
Morris recognized the impact her viewpoints have had on her fanbase, admitting she has lost some listeners due to her stance on various issues. “If you don’t agree with me, you can’t enjoy my music because of my viewpoints, you’re absolutely allowed to do that,” she stated. She concluded by acknowledging the sacrifices she has made for her beliefs, saying, “I’ve sacrificed a lot of my mental health, my financial standing, my family, just because I am so deeply concerned and uncomfortable with the weird status quo of country music.”