Fans rally behind Maddie & Tae's decision, celebrating their journey while demanding fair recognition for female artists in country music.
The award-winning duo turned to
social media on Monday (Dec. 8) to reveal that they are parting ways professionally, a decision that has shocked fans and the music industry alike. Known for their captivating harmonies and rich storytelling lyrics,
Maddie Marlow Font and
Taylor Dye Kerr have carved their place in country music.
According to
Billboard, Font has big plans to continue a solo career, while Kerr is dedicated to channeling her energy into her family. Both Kerr and Font are mothers. Kerr tied the knot with writer-producer
Josh Kerr in 2020 and is a parent to daughter
Leighton and son
Chapel. Font has a son,
Forrest, with her husband,
Jonah.
"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," they wrote on
Instagram. "Thank you for making our wildest dreams come true, and we hope you stay close by to watch us chase some new dreams 🤍 We love you so much and hope you still come shake ya booty with us on tour next year."
This news sent shockwaves through the industry, causing a wave of reactions from their dedicated fandom. Fans have expressed their support for the duo, with sentiments ranging from gratitude for their shared journey to respect for their decision to prioritize family.
One fan shared on Instagram, "I feel so lucky to have gotten to see you girls this year… family must always come first." Another emphasized the shock of the split, stating, "Bittersweet is the right word for this! Never saw this coming!! But wish you both nothing but the best!"
While many fans are still wrapping their heads around the breakup, others are far from surprised. A conversation has sparked online about whether the duo received a fair chance to reach the heights of their counterparts in the industry.
Despite winning a CMA Award for "
Girl in a Country Song" in 2015, Maddie & Tae faced ongoing challenges within the industry. They were nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year every year from 2015 to 2025 but never won again, highlighting the inconsistencies in recognition compared to male duos like
Dan + Shay,
Florida Georgia Line,
Brothers Osborne, and more. Their journey was marked by gender inequalities, and they often felt overshadowed in an industry that tends to prioritize male-driven narratives.
The duo also encountered difficulties with their label. Originally signed as flagship artists for the relaunch of Dot Records in 2014, they experienced early success with hit singles but faced setbacks when the label shut down in 2017. Although they quickly secured a new deal with UMG, the transition marked a shift in priorities that left Maddie & Tae struggling for dominant representation within the label – even after achieving a No. 1 hit in 2019.
Their recent 2025 track, "
Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams," addressed the challenges of making it in this fast-paced genre and of growing a family. They shed light on working around the clock, leaving their families behind, and the sacrifices they make to manage both.
“We got too much month at the end of the money | Busy as bees trying to make that honey, but ain’t it sweet? | It’s a crazy trip, it’s a wild ride | And I thank God every day and night, we got all we need | Look at you and me | Chasing babies and raising dreams,” they sing.
As the duo embarks on separate journeys, many fans and industry insiders hope this split underscores the urgent need for change, ensuring that talented female artists like Maddie & Tae receive the recognition and support they truly deserve.
As the country music community processes this bittersweet news, Font makes it clear that this is simply a hiatus and they might just come back together in the future.
"We’re leaving this so open-ended because, you know, we might make another record one day. We might go do some tour dates one day," the songstress told
People. "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, nurture our friendship, not have to worry as much about the work, and still get to raise our babies together. None of that changes,"she added.
Their legacy of powerful storytelling and memorable melodies has won the hearts of many, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what the future holds for them as individuals. As of now, their fandom is locked in on their next move, their individual growth, and what’s next.
Photo Credit: @maddieandtae on Instagram.
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