Why Maddie and Tae Are Parting Ways After 15 Years: A Heartbreaking Split

The End of an Era for Maddie & Tae

Maddie Marlow Font and Tae Dye Kerr have announced the end of their 15-year journey as a country music duo. The news came as a shock to fans, who had followed the pair through years of chart-topping hits and memorable performances. In a recent interview with People, both artists expressed that the decision to part ways was not an easy one.

“It’s been such a hard, hard — honestly, heartbreaking — decision,” Tae, 30, shared. “This was the only dream I’ve ever had since I exited the womb.” Maddie, also 30, added, “But just in this season, it doesn’t feel aligned for us to do it together.”

A Musical Journey That Began in 2010

Maddie and Tae first met in 2010 through their vocal coach, who was based in Dallas, Texas. After graduating high school, they moved to Nashville to pursue their dreams of becoming a country music duo. Their journey began with a single that would change their lives forever.

In 2014, at the age of 19, the duo released their debut single, “Girl in a Country Song,” which became their first No. 1 hit. The following year, they released their first album, “Start Here,” marking the start of a successful career.

Over the years, the duo has released four albums and four EPs, earning 13 CMA nominations, 11 ACM nominations, and six CMT Award nominations. Their success is a testament to their talent and dedication to their craft.

Reflecting on Their Rise to Fame

During a 2021 interview with Teen Vogue, Maddie and Tae reflected on how their lives changed after the release of “Girl in a Country Song.” They emphasized that while much has changed, they remain the same people they were when they started.

“A lot has changed since the song came out, but we’re still the same people we were when we started,” Tae said. “Of course we’re growing and learning how to handle the chaos and handle being pulled in so many directions. We learn more and more about ourselves individually and collectively every day, every show. Of course there’s going to be a lot of change, but that’s what inspires the music.”

Maddie added, “It’s crazy what’s happened within a year. We just feel really, really blessed. The fact that we’re young females and our voices are being heard loud and clear is really, really special to both of us.”

The Reason Behind the Split

The duo revealed during their People interview that the split was driven by personal life changes. Maddie plans to launch a solo career, while Tae will focus on her family.

Tae, who shares two children, daughter Leighton, 3, and son Chapel, 13 months, with her husband, Josh Kerr, explained that balancing motherhood and their music careers has been challenging. Similarly, Maddie, who shares her son Forrest, 2, with her husband, Jonah Font, also faces similar challenges.

“It’s been such a hard, hard — honestly, heartbreaking — decision,” Tae admitted. “This was the only dream I’ve ever had since I exited the womb. I had a very specific vision of creating music and singing music. When we met at 15, that’s what we set out to do, and we’re both just so grateful that we’ve had the journey that we’ve had. This career has been everything we’ve ever wanted.”

A Heartfelt Conversation

Both women acknowledged that the decision to split was made during a phone call in September. Tae recalled the emotional conversation, saying, “Maddie was just like, ‘Tell me where your heart is.’ And I was like, ‘My heart is at home.’ And she said, ‘Okay. Then that’s what we need to do.’”

“We both knew this conversation was coming eventually,” Tae added. “I never imagined it would be on the phone. I always thought we’d get to be in person and hug each other.”

Not a Permanent Break

Despite the split, Maddie and Tae clarified that they are not taking a permanent break. “We’re leaving this so open-ended because, you know, we might make another record one day,” Maddie told People. “We might go do some tour dates one day.”

Maddie continued, “Even though we’re not gonna go on this journey as Maddie & Tae together, we’re still walking and doing life together outside of it. And I think I’m really excited to just be best friends and nurture our friendship and not have to worry as much about the work and still get to raise our babies together. None of that changes.”

Emotional Instagram Message

The duo also shared an emotional message on Instagram, expressing their gratitude for the support they received over the years. “Thank you for all the love as we step into this new bittersweet chapter. We both feel overwhelmed with gratitude for what we’ve built with y’all the last 12 years. Thank you for making our wildest dreams come true and we hope you stay close by to watch us chase some new dreams,” they wrote.

What’s Next for Each Artist?

Maddie, who is the primary breadwinner for her family, shared that she is already working on her first solo project, which will be released “sometime next year.” She mentioned that she is experimenting with gospel sounds and R&B-soul elements. “But I think my heart is just in making impactful music that reaches people,” she said.

Tae, on the other hand, plans to focus on her family. “Bath time is my showtime,” she said. “Between my husband and me and my daughter, we’re constantly singing. We live in a musical home.” However, she remains open to returning to the industry in the future. “Whatever God presents to me, I’m open. I might hop on some of my husband’s projects. That would be so fun.”