Parker McCollum Opens Up About Naming Second Baby Boy: ‘They’ve Got To Have Strong Names’
McCollum says choosing a name for his second son has sparked “funny heated arguments” as he and Hallie Ray prepare for baby No. 2.
Parker McCollum with Hallie Ray and son Major; Photo via Instagram
Parker McCollum has a lot on his plate these days. Between his headlining tour, preparing to welcome his second child with wife Hallie Ray, and gearing up for ACM Awards weekend as both a nominee and performer, life is moving fast for the Texas native.
During a recent interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal, McCollum called in from home and opened up about everything currently happening in his world. With a little over three months until the arrival of their second son, he said he and Hallie Ray are trying to soak up every moment of being a family of three before life changes again.
“I think we’re going to try our best to enjoy these last three and a half months with just one and then we’ll gear up for the newborn stuff again. So pray for me,” he joked.
The couple’s second baby boy will join their son, Major Yancey Tyler McCollum, who was born on August 8, 2024. While preparing for their newest addition, McCollum admitted that picking out another strong name has become a challenge.
“We get some pretty funny heated arguments over it,” he admitted. “Every now and then we’re like, all right, we have time. Let’s not do this today.”
With a name like Major already setting the bar high, McCollum explained why finding the perfect fit matters so much to him.
“Well, I’m like, these are my boys. They’re going to take over everything that I build in this life. I’ll leave it to them. So name’s got to be good. They’ve got to have strong names.”
While preparing for another major milestone at home, McCollum is also celebrating one in his career. He heads into the 61st ACM Awards with a nomination for Album of the Year for his self-titled project, a recognition he says means more to him than any other accolade he’s received so far.
“It’s the greatest honor of my career so far,” he stated. “It’s my favorite record I’ve ever made. I’ve never been more proud of a collection of songs than I am this record that came out last year. So to be mentioned amongst so much fricking talent, so many crazy records and all the records that could have been nominated for this album to receive a nomination is mind-blowing.”
McCollum also shared that he hopes to cross paths with ACM Awards host Shania Twain during the festivities in Las Vegas, and maybe do a little gambling.
“I’ll play a little blackjack. I try to play some golf while I’m there, maybe the day after, but I play in Chicago the night before, so I’ll be coming in hot…So it’ll be quick, but we’re going to make the most of it.”
McCollum is also set to perform during the show alongside fellow Texan Lee Ann Womack. Additional performers include Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, and more.
Fans can watch the 61st ACM Awards streaming live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT from the world-renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
