Introduction
Carly Pearce Opens Up About Her Divorce, Heartbreak, and Healing in Emotional Interview with Bunnie Xo
Country star Carly Pearce recently sat down with The Dumb Blonde Podcast host Bunnie Xo to share one of her most candid interviews to date — a raw conversation revisiting the pain, lessons, and growth that came from one of the most public heartbreaks in modern country music.
In 2020, Pearce’s marriage to fellow country artist Michael Ray ended in divorce after less than a year. The breakup, played out under public scrutiny, became the emotional backbone of her acclaimed album 29: Written in Stone, where she poured her grief and resilience into music that resonated deeply with fans.
Reflecting on her marriage, Pearce told Bunnie, “It wasn’t what I signed up for. It just wasn’t the marriage that I know I deserve. I knew that very quickly.” While she stopped short of naming specific reasons, her words hinted at deep disappointment and emotional betrayal.
When Bunnie asked whether infidelity was involved, Pearce chose honesty without bitterness. “The album 29 wasn’t written out of thin air,” she said. “If he ever watches this, thank you. Because you taught me how strong I am.” Pearce went on to describe finding self-worth amid public judgment, saying that while many speculated about the truth, she found peace knowing that “my friends know, my parents know, and God knows — and that’s enough.”
The interview also touched on a viral moment from earlier this year when Pearce performed “Jolene” at the Opry 100: A Live Celebration. During the song, she locked eyes with Tyler Tritt — Travis Tritt’s daughter and Michael Ray’s ex-girlfriend — reigniting online rumors about past cheating. When asked directly whether Tyler was the “Jolene” of her story, Pearce replied bluntly, “Let’s just say I’m not a fan of her. I’m not a fan of him. I could have done so much more than I did.”
Pearce clarified that she never received closure, revealing, “I don’t know if he told her we were divorced. I never got any of that. So I had to piece together a lot of things — but they were facts.”
Despite the pain, Pearce emphasized that she’s no longer angry. Instead, she views the experience as part of her journey toward healing and self-respect. “I shut my mouth for so long because I felt like I had to,” she admitted. “But I don’t care anymore. I’m happy now.”
Since her divorce, Pearce has continued to evolve artistically and personally. Her latest album, Hummingbird, includes songs like “Heels Over Head,” which many fans believe was inspired by the same chapter of her life.
Though time hasn’t erased all the scars, Pearce says she’s finally at peace. “I’m in the happiest season of my life,” she smiled. “I’m grateful — even for the heartbreak that made me who I am today.”