Emily Ann Roberts Reflects on a Breakthrough 2025, From Record Deal to Life as a ‘Yeehaw Meemaw’ Surrounded by Rescue Pups

In the middle of a whirlwind year, which included touring with artists like Megan Moroney, Blake Shelton, and Cody Johnson, rising star Emily Ann Roberts enjoyed a rare day off in Nashville, where she joined us for the Pupdate. She shared updates on new music, life as a “Yeehaw Meemaw,” and offered fans a glimpse into life with her husband, Chris.

Roberts instantly lifted the room with her bubbly personality, greeting us with her sweet Southern accent, which, by the way, is completely authentic as she grew up in East Tennessee.

Wasting no time, Roberts took a seat on the floor as Kobe, Karl, and Kaleb, three adorable rescue pups from Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, gathered around her, greeting her with puppy kisses and plenty of playful chaos.

Signing A Record Deal

As the puppies tumbled around her, Roberts dove right in, reflecting on the biggest moment of her year so far: signing a record deal with RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville, a milestone that arrived after a decade of hard work and unwavering dedication.

“Ever since I got to Nashville, I’ve been independently releasing my music, but this year, my 10th year after getting off The Voice, I was able to sign my first record deal. And I am so excited,” she shared. “We have built so much just on our own, but there is nothing like having an incredible team of people who are absolute professionals helping support this music and get it out to the people. So I can’t wait to see what we’re able to accomplish together now that I’m signed.”

Following the big announcement, Roberts shared a new EP with fans. The project, dubbed Memory Lane, includes seven songs, each co-written by Roberts herself. This comes as no surprise, according to the singer/songwriter, storytelling is the core of everything she creates.

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“Well, my favorite thing about country music is the storytelling. And so when I was thinking about the songs that I wanted to record for the Memory Lane EP, I knew that I wanted to keep telling great stories. And so we have songs that are about my life and things that I’ve gone through. And then we have stories that we have made up just from scratchy scratch. And so I think that that makes for a really fun project when there’s a lot of things to talk about and not just one thing,” she explained. 

New EP

The East Tennessee native hopes fans can find songs that resonate with them on the project, but for her, the most personal track is “Easy Does It.”

“That is literally my story with my husband, and he showed me a different way that love could be. I always thought it was supposed to be like a roller coaster ride of he loves me, he loves me not. But I have learned that while a roller coaster ride can be thrilling for a moment in a relationship when you are looking for a partner for life, easy does it for sure,” she smiled. 

Sasser House

Many fans have come to love Roberts not only for her music, but also through her Sasser House account with her husband, where they invite fans into their everyday life – gardening, home projects, cooking, and their various adventures together.

“Well, it’s no secret that I have a lot of fun online on TikTok and Instagram and all the different places that I get to share my life… We just live a crazy life, but we try to prioritize time at home as well whenever we have it. So we love getting to share that on there.”

“Yeehaw Meemaw”

Through this account, Emily Ann Roberts has lovingly dubbed herself a “Yeehaw Meemaw.” So, we asked her what that means to her.

“I call myself ‘Yeehaw Memaw’ because I’m really into the old stuff. So I’m one part ‘Yeehaw’ because I’m young and I’m a country music singer and there’s a whole lot of ‘Yeehaw’ that is involved in that. But then also I am just into old timey things that are maybe out of style for some folks. So like crochet and bread baking and homemaking and gardening. And even my fashion choices can be a little ‘Meemaw’ at times. And so that’s where ‘YeeHaw Meemaw’ comes from because you don’t have to just pick one. You can be both.”

Touring With Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, & Blake Shelton

Reflecting on her incredible 2025, Roberts shared what she’s taken away from touring with the artists she opened for throughout the year.

“I have been so blessed to go out on the road with so many incredible artists this year, but I have to say I’ve learned different things from all of ’em. From Megan [Moroney], I have learned how important it is to create a whole experience for your audience. I mean, her fans are unlike any fans I have ever seen in country music. They’re absolutely incredible, and it’s more than just a concert, it is an event, and that’s been really cool to see what she has built.”

Roberts said touring with Cody Johnson offered a different kind of lesson.

“With Cody, I have learned that there’s a place for all kinds of country music and traditional country music is not dead. It is alive and well. And that’s something cool to see him carry a torch for.”

Finally, she reflected on what Blake Shelton taught her.

“And then with Blake, I have learned that you are never too far along in your career to reach out a helping hand to somebody else who’s coming up. He has shown me that time and time again, and I’m really thankful I’ve been able to learn from him.”

2026 is shaping up to be another milestone year for Roberts, who will hit the road again with Cody Johnson on select dates, take her music overseas with the C2C Festival, and perform at several major U.S. festivals, including Tortuga Music Festival, Cattle Country Music Fest, and more.  

Adopt These Puppies

Two of these sweet pups, Karl and Kaleb, are still looking for their forever homes. Those interested in adopting should contact Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, a foster-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Middle Tennessee and run primarily by volunteers. Proverbs is fully dedicated to the care and well-being of every animal they rescue. To learn more or make a donation, click HERE.