During a recent interview on Lon Helton’s Country Countdown USA, Cody Johnson revealed that he and his wife Brandi welcomed their third child and first son, Jaycee Daniel Johnson, on October 21, joining their daughters Clara Mae (10), and Cori (8). Johnson admitted that at this point in his life, he is “a lot better off now as far as career and financially, than I was when we had [our daughters]," teasing that Jaycee is "gonna get a horse a little quicker than my kids did. He’s going to get to do some things a little quicker than my daughters did.” Despite recently canceling the remainder of his 2025 tour dates due to a ruptured eardrum that required surgery, Johnson is nominated in four categories at the upcoming CMA Awards. Johnson is up for the night’s most prestigious award, Entertainer of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year, as well as Music Video and Musical Event of the Year for “I’m Gonna Love You” with Carrie Underwood. (Billboard)

More performers have been added to the lineup for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, which will air live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 19. The show will now feature performances by Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Riley Green, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, and The Red Clay Strays, among others. Ballerini will debut her new song "I Sit in Parks," Chesney will perform in honor of his Country Music Hall of Fame induction, Lambert and Stapleton will duet on "A Song to Sing," while Vince Gill will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighted by a tribute performance. Lainey Wilson, who will solo host the event and is tied for the most nominations with six nods, will also perform along with previously announced artists including Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, and Zach Top. (People)

Three years after closing, the legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop in Nashville is set to reopen with a revitalized four-story space that honors the late country icon’s legacy. The newly restored venue preserved original elements from the iconic space like the exposed brick and various memorabilia, including letters from Johnny Cash and artifacts from Tubb’s celebrated career. Owned by Tusk Brothers Entertainment co-founders Jamie and Bryan Kenney – who partnered with Tubb’s grandson Dale Tubb to oversee the restoration – the space now features a honky-tonk with two stages (including the original Midnite Jamboree stage), a record shop, private event spaces, and a rooftop bar, aiming to revive the spirit of community, live music, and artist camaraderie that made the shop a historic country music hub since 1947. The reopening celebrates not only the shop’s musical heritage but also its evolving role as a gathering place for both legendary and emerging artists, with the Midnite Jamboree set to return to WSM radio on Saturday night (November 15). (Billboard)

An artificial intelligence-generated country song has reached the top of Billboard's Country Digital Song Sales chart. "Walk My Walk" by Breaking Rust claimed the number one spot for the week of November 8, 2025. The track was created using AI by Aubierre Rivaldo Taylor, according to Spotify credits. Breaking Rust is not a real person but an AI-generated artist. The song features raspy vocals from a "rough" character who sings "ain't selling my soul for a seat at your table." The track also ranks in iTunes' top 10 all-genres chart. Breaking Rust's Resilient EP sits in the top 10 albums on iTunes. The AI artist has over 2.3 million monthly Spotify listeners, with "Walk My Walk" earning over 3.6 million streams. Taylor also creates songs under the AI artist name Defbeatsai. Both Breaking Rust and Defbeatsai hold verified artist status on Spotify. (Story URL)

Riley Green will honor U.S. service members with three special performances at military bases in Japan and Hawaii next spring, including shows at US Navy Base Fleet Yokosuka on March 9, Naval Air Facility Atsugi on March 10, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor on March 22. Fittingly announced on Veterans Day, these concerts reflect Green’s ongoing support for veterans through his music and the Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, which aids veteran organizations. “Honored to be able to perform for the heroic men and women of our nation next year,” Green wrote. Ahead of his 2026 headlining Cowboy As It Gets Tour and a high-profile appearance at the Stagecoach Festival, Green continues a successful year marked by the release of the deluxe edition of his album, Don’t Mind If I Do, and four CMA Award nominations, including Single of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit collaboration with Ella Langley, “You Look Like You Love Me.” (Country Now)

Country stars Morgan Wallen and Eric Church, part of the investor group that acquired outdoor lifestyle brand Field & Stream in 2024, are launching Field & Stream TV in partnership with Outdoor America. Set to debut in late January 2026 by rebranding Outdoor America’s free ad-supported streaming channel, the network will offer original programming focused on hunting, fishing, camping, and outdoor cooking, distributed across streaming platforms and broadcast TV while reaching 90 million households weekly. This new 24-hour channel expands Field & Stream’s media presence alongside its print, digital, and podcast offerings, aiming to deliver authentic outdoor content with input from Wallen, Church, and top outdoor storytellers. A formal launch event for the channel is planned at the 2026 SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show held in Las Vegas from January 20-23. (Variety)

After recently postponing her Las Vegas residency due to self-described "health challenges," Dolly Parton is said to be recovering at home with support from her family and friends, and is “getting better every day,” a source tells PEOPLE. The 79-year-old country legend, who just released her new memoir, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, on Tuesday (November 11), admitted that she neglected her health following the death of her husband, Carl Dean, in March. That ultimtely led to Parton suffering a kidney stone-related infection and caused the residency delay, which has now been rescheduled for September 2026. Despite these setbacks, Parton remains optimistic about her future, embracing her upcoming 80th birthday on January 19, while looking ahead at what’s next. “Look at all I’ve done in 80 years. I feel like I’m just getting started,” Parton says. “I say, ‘I ain’t got time to get old!’ I ain’t got time to dwell on that.” (People)

On Wednesday (November 12), Caroline Jones announced that she will release her new album, Good Omen, on February 13, marking her debut with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Jones, a member of the Zac Brown Band, also revealed that the title track will come out on Friday (November 14). “This project has my most raw and empathetic storylines yet, set to a backdrop of rich, dark, bluegrass infused tracks,” Jones shares. “This being my first album as a mother, I’ve channeled the intense empathy that motherhood affords you, which, it turns out, is a superpower as a songwriter and artist.” The album includes 12 tracks co-written with collaborators Eric Paslay, Sarah Buxton, Emily Weisband and Liz Rose, and co-produced by Julian Raymond. Jones will support the release with a 17-date headlining tour beginning February 17 in Nashville and hitting major music markets in the U.S. through May. (Music Row)

To honor Veterans Day, Luke Combs shared a poignant clip of him performing his unreleased song, “Ever Mine,” which the country superstar co-wrote with Charlie Worsham and Hailey Whitters. In the caption of the video, which Combs shared on Monday (November 10), he wrote: “In honor of Veterans Day tomorrow, here’s “Ever Mine.” We wrote this from the perspective of a soldier writing a letter to his wife during war without knowing if he’ll ever see her again. Love this one a lot.” Combs first performed a spare, acoustic take on “Ever Mine” in 2020 during lockdown, with the deeply emotional track clearly holding a special place in his heart, even though he has yet to release an official version of the song. With an upcoming studio album expected in early 2026, hopefully this stunning song will find its way onto the tracklist of Combs’ highly-anticipated new project. (Holler)

Darius Rucker and fiancée Emily Deahl, who announced their engagement on October 8, are taking a laid-back approach to their wedding plans. The 59-year-old country star revealed during an appearance on the Today Show on Monday (November 10) that they aren't planning anything formal and will "just get married and have a big party somewhere." The couple have been together for several years, but kept their relationship private in order to protect their love, with Rucker proposing on Pawleys Island, South Carolina, describing the special occasion as "a great day." Deahl, 33, a lifestyle content creator and singer-songwriter, said that “somewhere along the way of loving him I discovered how sacred love is to me. And all I wanted to do was protect it." Rucker was previously married to Beth Leonard from 2000 to 2020, and they share two children together, daughter Daniella, 24, and son Jack, 21, with the Hootie & the Blowfish frontman also a dad to daughter Carolyn, 30, with ex Elizabeth Ann Phillips. (People)

On Tuesday (November 11), Megan Moroney shared the details of her upcoming album, Cloud 9, which is set for release on February 20, 2026. Her new project features 15 tracks spread across three sides, including the title song, “Beautiful Things,” and “6 Months Later,” which earlier this year reached the Top 10 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and cracked the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. “I am so excited for my fans and I to dive into this new world of Cloud 9 together,” Moroney said in a statement. “These songs were written by the strongest, most confident version of myself I’ve ever been. Cloud 9 is a state of mind, and I have no doubt this will be the best chapter yet.” Moroney, the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year, is gearing up for a standout performance at the 59th annual CMA Awards on November 19, where she is tied for the most nominations with six, including single, song, and album of the year, as well as female vocalist of the year. (Billboard)

During a recent interview with Adriana Trigiani on the You Are What You Read podcast, Kenny Chesney reflected on his new book, Heart Life Music, by sharing the touching story of the first time his mother heard him sing. “The first time was at school, actually. I was in a music program,” Chesney recalled. “It was the first time my mom ever heard me sing, and she was so nervous because she goes, ‘You're going to do what? You're going to get up and sing in front of the student body and all their parents?’ And I went, ‘Yeah, I think so’. It was such a different thing for both of us. I remember driving home with her and my stepfather, and they were stunned. And I was stunned! Because I'd never done it.” Chesney’s solo vocal debut was a defining moment for the future country music star, an experience that revealed his talent and sparked a new passion. Chesney will conclude his book tour at the Miami Book Fair on Sunday (November 16). (Holler)

Drake Milligan released his sophomore album, Tumbleweed, on Friday (November 7), with the 27-year-old Fort Worth native blending traditional Texas country, Western swing, and modern Nashville sounds on his new material. Recorded in Nashville with producer Trent Willmon, the album features the standout track, “Old Flames, Old Whiskey,” which he released as a single on October 17. After making his name opening for a variety of country superstars after taking third place on America's Got Talent in 2022, Milligan is excited to embark on his own headlining Tumbleweed World Tour, which kicks off November 11 in Nashville and continues with stops across the U.S. and Europe in 2026. “After a year of opening for legends like Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, and Blake Shelton, it feels amazing to step out and headline these shows,” Milligan says. “I can’t wait to see the fans singing these new songs back to me in the crowd.” (People)

CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Stephen Wilson Jr. has just announced his 2026 Gary The Torch Tour. The 17-date run kicks off on March 6 in Columbus, Ohio, and hits major music markets like Toronto, Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Denver, before concluding on April 25 in Chicago. The Indiana-born, Nashville-based rising country star won over fans during his acclaimed two-year søn of dad tour, alongside notable appearances supporting Eric Church and HARDY. Wilson Jr. will start 2026 with additional shows opening for Church and some high-profile festival appearances, before launching his headlining tour. Ahead of his scheduled performance at the CMA Awards on Nov. 19, Wilson Jr. will also be the musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Nov. 18, while also making his headlining debut at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with two sold-out shows on Nov. 23 and 24. Ticket pre-sales for the newly announced shows start on Tuesday (November 11), with general on-sales beginning Friday (November 14). (All Country News)

Trisha Yearwood reflected on her marriage to Garth Brooks during her appearance at the "In Her Own Words: An Evening with Trisha Yearwood" event at The Paley Center for Media in New York City on Saturday (November 8). The 61-year-old singer shared that after marrying Brooks, 63, and moving to Oklahoma, she shifted her focus from “touring 200 days a year” to building their family life. “I was a bonus mom to three children and I was trying to make a marriage work, because I had learned that marriages don't work if you're never together,” Yearwood shared, while adding, “You have to be together. I made a conscious effort to be there." The couple, celebrating their 20th anniversary next month, first met in 1987 and have since collaborated and toured together extensively. Yearwood just released her new album, Christmastime, on November 7, and revealed that the opening track, “Christmas Time Is Here,” was her wedding entrance song when they were married on December 10, 2005. (People)

Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill will be honored with the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 59th annual CMA Awards on November 19 in Nashville. The award is presented to “an iconic artist” who has “positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over the course of many years,” with past recipients including Johnny Cash (2015), Alan Jackson (2022), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Loretta Lynn (2021), Charley Pride (2020) and George Strait (2024). This new honor only adds to Gill’s distinguished career, which includes 22 Grammy wins, 18 CMA Awards including four wins for Song of the Year, and a record 12-year run hosting the CMA Awards. Recently signed to a lifetime deal with MCA Records, Gill released the EP, 50 Years From Home: I Gave You Everything I Had, in October, and continues to actively shape the genre both as a solo artist and collaborator, including performing live with the Eagles since 2017. (Billboard)

During a recent backstage tour of her talk show, Kelly Clarkson revealed her top three all-time favorite albums, with the pop star teasing viewers by proclaiming, “I  hope you like them. If you don’t, you’re dumb.” After praising a diverse series of artists like Alanis Morissette, the Toadies. and Aretha Franklin, Clarkson shared her top three picks, which are: Patty Griffin’s 2002 folk classic, 1000 Kisses, with Clarkson praising Griffin as her all-time favorite singer-songwriter; U2’s 1998 greatest hits compilation, The Best Of 1980-1990, with the host recalling seeing the Irish rock band play a transformative show at Madison Square Garden which “was like a spiritual experience”; and Lauryn Hill’s Grammy-winning debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which Clarkson admires for its organic sound, vocal brilliance, and deeply authentic songwriting that inspired her own musical journey, crediting the album with being one of the reasons she became a songwriter. (Billboard)

Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” continues to rule the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for a fifth consecutive week. This marks Swift’s third single to spend at least five weeks at No. 1, alongside “Anti-Hero” (eight weeks in 2022) and “Blank Space” (seven weeks in 2014). “The Fate of Ophelia” garnered 27.4 million streams, 59.2 million radio airplay audience impressions, and sold 29,000 copies in the U.S. over the past week, bolstered by the release of the song’s “Alone in My Tower Acoustic Version.” The single’s continued success coincides with her No. 1 album, The Life of a Showgirl, claiming its fifth consecutive week atop the Billboard 200, extending Swift’s record as the first artist to simultaneously have both her album and single spend their first five weeks at No. 1.

In another notable move, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” surges back into the Top 10, with the King of Pop’s 1982 hit jumping from No. 32 to No. 10 on the strength of substantial Halloween streaming numbers and significant radio airplay around the holiday. With that achievement, Jackson becomes the first artist to rank in the Hot 100's Top 10 in six distinct decades, reaching the top tier of the chart in the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, 2000s, ‘10s and now ‘20s. Notably, an 11-year-old Jackson also was a member of The Jackson 5 when they spent their first week in the Hot 100’s Top 10 on the last official chart of the ‘60s (dated Dec. 27, 1969), with their breakthrough hit, “I Want You Back.”

The rest of this week’s Top 10 remains mostly the same as the previous week, as HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, holds at No. 2, Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” stays at No. 3, Swift’s “Opalite” remains at No. 4, Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” keeps at No. 5, Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” sticks at No. 6, Kehlani’s “Folded” stays at No. 7, Leon Thomas’ “Mutt” moves up two spots to No. 8, and Morgan Wallen’s “I Got Better” remains at No. 9. (Billboard)

Clay Walker, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1996, revealed that he is currently facing a challenging period with his condition. The 56-year-old country star underwent surgery in March 2025 to implant a baclofen pump aimed at easing muscle spasticity, though his balance and mobility remain difficult. Despite the rough patch and visible struggles on stage, Walker remains determined and optimistic, crediting physical therapy and small progress like walking unassisted on a treadmill for hope. Celebrating nearly 30 years of living with MS, Walker is embracing his journey with resilience, describing himself as "like a pit bull" who refuses to give up, finding joy and energy in performing while acknowledging MS as the difficult cross he must bear. “MS has been a journey and some of it has been pretty rough, but I've started to turn the corner,” Walker shared, while adding, “My joy comes from being on stage.” (People)

On Friday (November 8), Jelly Roll canceled the final show of his debut Australia and New Zealand tour scheduled to take place in Auckland later that night. The Grammy-nominated country star announced via Instagram just hours before showtime that his headlining concert at The Outer Fields at Western Springs in Auckland, New Zealand, was cancelled due to illness. “Dear Auckland, I’ve done everything I can, I just can’t shake it,” he wrote on Instagram, while adding, “It breaks my heart, I’ve probably missed three shows in the last decade. I pride myself on showing up no matter what. Just couldn’t do it this time. Please forgive me.” The late cancellation frustrated many fans who only learned of it upon arriving at the venue, especially as it was his first-ever New Zealand performance following a successful tour that included sold-out shows across Australia. Live Nation confirmed the cancellation, offering full refunds while thanking fans for their understanding. (Billboard)