Madeleine O'Connell

Madeleine O’Connell

Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

Meghan Patrick; Photo by Nicole Murphy 

Meghan Patrick’s Golden Child Tour Proves Her Fans Are Her Greatest Win

Posted on March 2, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Meghan reflected on her journey, her fans and the legacy she hopes to leave behind before taking the stage.

Read More ›

Dylan Marlowe and Wife Natalie with Twins Case and Huck

Dylan Marlowe and Wife Natalie Celebrate Arrival of Twin Boys, Case and Huck

Posted on March 2, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The couple excitedly announced their “double blessing” has finally arrived into the world.

Read More ›

Photos Courtesy of Thomas Rhett, Lauren Watkins

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins Celebrate Arrival of First Son, Brave

Posted on February 27, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“Our hearts are just in a big ole puddle with this precious baby BOY.”

Read More ›

Harper Grace; Photo by Zayne Isom

Harper Grace Talks Faking Her Engagement and the Hard Choice Behind ‘If Daddy Says No’

Posted on February 27, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I think some people are probably going to think I’m crazy for faking my own engagement…”

Read More ›

Kenny Whitmire; Photo by Austin Aguilar

Kenny Whitmire Revives Timeless Country Storytelling With ‘I Gave Her The Moon’

Posted on February 26, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m so thankful for this song and what it’s done for me,” Whitmire reflects.

Read More ›

Koe Wetzel; Photo by John Park

Koe Wetzel Ushers in a New Era With Album Tease and Night Champion World Tour Announcement

Posted on February 26, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“Coming into 2026 and this tour, I feel like I’m the best version of myself I’ve ever been.”

Read More ›

Luke Combs and family; Photo by Leigh Ann Remke

Luke Combs Offers Bobby Bones Honest Parenting Advice

Posted on February 26, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“You’re never ready. You’re not going to be ready,” Combs told Bones, who is preparing to become a father himself.

Read More ›

Dolly Parton; Photo Provided

Dolly Parton Lends Her Name to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Expanding Hope and Care for Kids

Posted on February 26, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m so honored to stand alongside this hospital and do my part to help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families.” 

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy of Luke Combs

Luke Combs Gets Real About ‘Constant Battle’ With Self-Doubt and Weight Loss

Posted on February 25, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Combs says he worried early on that his looks would hold him back from making it in country music.

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Alaina

Lauren Alaina Calls for an End to Body-Shaming Culture: ‘We Can’t Talk About Women This Way’

Posted on February 25, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“We all need to be better,” Alaina stated.

Read More ›