Maddie & Tae Reveal They’re Parting Ways: A ‘Heartbreaking Decision’
Kerr is stepping away to focus on her family, while Font plans to pursue a solo career.

Photo Courtesy Maddie & Tae
Country duo Maddie & Tae, best known for their breakout No. 1 hit “Girl In A Country Song” and their chart-topping single “Die From A Broken Heart,” have announced they are parting ways.
In an exclusive interview with People, Maddie Marlow Font and Tae Dye Kerr shared the emotional news that they’ve decided to separate (at least for now) and pursue different paths.
According to the interview, the split is completely amicable. Kerr plans to step back from music to focus on her growing family, while Font will move forward with a solo career.

“We’re leaving this so open-ended because, you know, we might make another record one day,” Font told People. “We might go do some tour dates one day.”
“Absolutely,” Kerr agreed.
Right now, though, both artists feel it’s simply not the right time to continue as a duo.
“But just in this season,” Font continued, “it doesn’t feel aligned for us to do it together.”

People reports that both artists struggled to define what to call this pause, as their long-standing bond goes far beyond their career.
“Even though we’re not gonna go on this journey as Maddie & Tae together, we’re still walking and doing life together outside of it,” Font explained. “I’m really excited to just be best friends and nurture our friendship and not have to worry as much about the work—and still get to raise our babies together. None of that changes.”
The decision came after countless heartfelt conversations between Font and Kerr.
“It’s been such a hard, hard—honestly, heartbreaking—decision,” Kerr shared. “This was the only dream I’ve ever had since I exited the womb. I had a very specific vision of creating music and singing music. When we met at 15, that’s what we set out to do, and we’re both just so grateful for the journey we’ve had. This career has been everything we ever wanted.”
This shift comes at a pivotal time in their personal lives. Kerr is a mother of two, daughter Leighton (almost 4) and son Chapel (13 months), and Font is raising her 2-year-old son, Forrest.
Font admitted she first started sensing a shift last year, the constant travel and time away were weighing on Kerr. They discussed it and a decision was made.
“Maddie was just like, ‘Tell me where your heart is,’” Kerr explained. “And I was like, ‘My heart is at home.’ And she said, ‘Okay. Then that’s what we need to do.’”
Maddie & Tae first burst onto the country music scene in 2014 with “Girl In A Country Song,” their clever, witty response to bro-country. Their 2015 debut album Start Here included follow-up singles “Fly” and “Shut Up and Fish.” In 2020, “Die From A Broken Heart” became their second No. 1 hit. Their most recent project, Love & Light, arrived in May 2025.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.









