Photo: Rachel Deeb
Last year wasn’t easy for anyone, andCarly Pearceknows that well: After tying the knot with fellow musicianMichael Rayin October 2019,the two country stars decided in June 2020 to call it off.
At the same time, Pearce’s star was rising as her duet with Lee Brice, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” became a smash hit, earning her three CMA Award nominations and hitting No. 1. On thePEOPLE Every Day podcast, Pearce told host Janine Rubenstein thather career successkept her from dwelling on her personal difficulties.
“In the midst of so much personal change, and turmoil, and heartache, I stillfelt so much love from country music,” she said. “In my entire life, country music has always been the thing that made me feel understood or … saved me. In the midst of it, fans really understood what they were giving to me.”
Want to get the biggest stories fromPEOPLEevery weekday?Subscribe to our new podcast,PEOPLE Every Day,to get the essential celebrity, entertainment and human interest news stories Monday through Friday.And hear more from Carly on today’s episode, below.
Her marriage wasn’t the only thing she was mourning as she continued to work on her music; the2019 death of her producer, Busbee, also was heavy on her mind.
“I had to figure out what music looked like without [Busbee], and I also had to find my way through this divorce that I didn’t see coming,” she said. “I’m just so proud of this [new] music. I think it’s the most authentic music that I’ve made.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Pearce, 30, also has taken away some important lessons from her difficult year of pain and growth, illustrated in detailon her new EP,29.
“The biggest thing for me during 2020 was learning that … it’s okay to not be okay,” she said. “Just accept that life is all about moments that are going to either define you or refine you, and refinement’s a really beautiful thing.”
RELATED VIDEO: Carly Pearce Opens Up About Her Divorce
“I feel like Nashville’s always been resilient and they continue to show that in what’s going on now,” she said, adding that she can’t wait for the return of live music. “I want to sing. I want to be able to see smiling country fans. I look forward to when all of those things can safely happen.”
Check out more from Pearce onPEOPLE Every Day, airing oniHeartMedia,Apple podcasts,Spotify,Stitcher,Amazon Musicor wherever you listen to your podcasts.
source: people.com
