Summary (tl;dr)

Country music duo Maddie & Tae, comprised of Maddie Marlow Font and Tae Dye Kerr, have announced their decision to part ways professionally after 15 years. While they emphasize that their friendship remains strong and future collaborations are possible, Tae Dye Kerr will step back from music to focus on her family, and Maddie Marlow Font will launch a solo career.

Essential Background

Maddie & Tae formed in 2010 after meeting through a vocal coach in Dallas when they were 15 years old. They later moved to Tennessee to further their music careers. The duo signed with Dot Records in 2014 and gained prominence with their platinum-selling debut single "Girl in a Country Song," which notably critiqued the "bro country" trend. Over their 15-year career, they released four albums and four EPs, including their most recent project, "Love & Light," in May 2025, and earned multiple CMA, ACM, and CMT award nominations.

The Full Story

On December 8, 2025, Maddie Marlow Font and Tae Dye Kerr exclusively revealed to People magazine and other outlets that they are ending their professional partnership. This "heartbreaking" decision, as described by Kerr, stems from their desire to balance their careers with their growing families. Tae Dye Kerr will be taking an indefinite hiatus from music to prioritize her family, including her two young children (daughter Leighton, nearly 4, and son Chapel, 13 months) and husband, Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Josh Kerr. Meanwhile, Maddie Marlow Font plans to pursue a solo music career, with intentions to release new music in 2026 that may incorporate gospel, R&B, and soul influences. Despite the professional split, the duo has confirmed they will honor their remaining tour commitments, including the "Love & Light Tour," with shows scheduled through June 2026.

Why It Matters

The trending news is significant for country music fans as Maddie & Tae have been a beloved and influential female duo for a decade and a half, recognized for their songwriting and authentic storytelling. Their decision highlights the ongoing challenges artists face in balancing demanding professional lives with personal and family priorities. The announcement leaves fans keenly interested in Maddie Font's upcoming solo endeavors and the potential for the duo to reunite for future projects, as they have emphasized their enduring friendship and left the door open for future collaborations.

Geographic Location

• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (primary hub of country music industry where Maddie & Tae established their careers and made the announcement)