Introduction
Connie Smith, wife of musician Marty Stuart, has left an indelible mark on country music. Born Constance June Meador in 1941, she grew up surrounded by music in a household with her mother, stepfather, and brothers who were all musicians.
Her own musical journey began after a serious lawnmower accident in her teens left her with a guitar to pass the time. She quickly learned chords, and her talent was soon discovered at a 1963 talent contest in Ohio where she caught the attention of country star Bill Anderson. This led to a recording contract with Chet Atkins and the release of her breakout hit, “Once a Day,” in 1964. The song topped the charts for eight weeks, setting a record for a female artist that held for nearly five decades.
A major star in the 1960s, Connie’s career shifted in the 1970s as she moved towards gospel music. Though these albums didn’t achieve the same commercial success, she remained a beloved figure in the genre, continuing to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. After a hiatus from recording, she returned to music and later married Marty Stuart in 1997. Stuart had been a fan since childhood and had long declared he would one day marry her.
Connie Smith’s influence on other artists is immense. Legends like George Jones, Elvis Presley, and Dolly Parton have all praised her as an exceptional vocalist. In fact, Dolly Parton once famously said, “There’s really only three female singers in the world: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending.”
A Heartbreaking Turn of Events
Recently, Marty Stuart confirmed that Connie Smith suffered a severe stroke caused by a large tumor behind her left temple. The situation is dire, and her health has rapidly deteriorated, leaving her unable to speak or move easily. Due to her frail condition and the tumor’s dangerous location, surgery is not a viable option.
As the country music community rallies around Connie and Marty, fans are flooding social media with messages of love and support. Her enduring legacy and the strength she has shown throughout her life continue to be a source of inspiration. We send our thoughts and prayers to Connie and her family during this difficult time.