Kacey Musgraves Explains Why She’s Happier Than Ever After Learning to Embrace Life on Her Own

Kacey Musgraves is opening up about reaching a happier chapter of life, after experiencing personal growth, self-discovery and the lessons she’s learned along the way. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, the singer reveals how past mistakes helped shape the person she is today and why learning to find joy on her own has changed her life.

Musgraves has had a busy and successful 2026, with several major career moments, such as releasing her newest album, Middle of Nowhere, headlining arenas on her tour of the same name and earning five CMA Award nominations. She explains that fans have started to notice a positive shift in her life, which she credits largely to trusting her instincts and following her heart.

“I’ve noticed a lot of people saying, ‘Wow, you look so happy in this chapter.’ And it’s because I really am,” Musgraves told the outlet.

She goes on to share her belief that some of her biggest lessons have come from the mistakes she’s made along the way. Instead of looking back on those moments with regret, she sees them as important steps that helped lead her to where she is today.

“I really do think your mistakes are your teachers. I wouldn’t be the same person without some of the mistakes. I would do it again. At the time, I was doing exactly what I thought was right in that moment. Can you really call it a mistake?”

That shift in perspective has also changed how the “Dry Spell” singer views spending time alone. Musgraves admits she once carried anxiety about spending too much time on her own, but she has since come to understand that being content with herself is far better than having to rely on someone else to make her feel fulfilled.

“I think learning how to be happy on your own, without the influence of anyone else, is hugely important. It was a really great lesson. I don’t need anyone else to be happy. I like being in relationships. I like being close with others, but being able to find that sovereignty within yourself allows you to put the right people back in. You start attracting the right things because you’re not searching for anything out of a place of desperation,” she adds.

The conversation with PEOPLE continues, with the country act discussing her small-town Texas upbringing, finding the confidence and freedom to speak her mind, her recent album Middle of Nowhere, putting an end to her feud with Miranda Lambert and more.

Next week, Kacey Musgraves will return to Nashville to perform at the 60th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 18. She is also going into the night one of the most nominated with five nods in the categories of Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the ceremony will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET.