After 15 years performing together as one of country music’s most successful duos, Maddie & Tae have shared that they’ll be ending their professional partnership. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the pair explained that this decision does not feel like a traditional “breakup” — but rather a branching into new chapters in their lives.
Paths diverging: family for one, solo ambitions for the other
The reason behind the split is rooted in shifting priorities after motherhood. For Tae Dye Kerr, music is now taking a back seat while she embraces life as a full-time parent. Kerr plans to step away from the music scene to focus on raising her daughter Leighton and son Chapel, alongside her husband, songwriter-producer Josh Kerr.
Meanwhile, Maddie Marlow Font feels a renewed drive to pursue music — this time as a solo artist. She and her husband, Jonah, support this new direction. While she intends to carry on making music, Font acknowledges that things will “look different.”
Emotions, reflection and friendship
The decision, they say, came after months of careful thought and heartbreak. Kerr admitted: “This was the only dream I’ve ever had… we set out to do this when we met at 15,” adding that walking away is “honestly, heartbreaking.”
At the same time, both make clear that their personal bond remains intact. They describe their separation as an evolution of seasons — not a permanent end — and say their friendship and love for each other will continue beyond the stage.
What’s next — and what stays the same
Even though their collaboration is ending, the door isn’t fully closed. They’ve decided not to label the upcoming shows (through mid-June 2026) a “farewell tour.” As Font puts it: “We might make another record one day … we might go do some tour dates one day.”
For now, Font is laying the groundwork for solo work — perhaps blending their familiar pop-country sound with influences of gospel, R&B and soul. Kerr says she isn’t ruling out future collaborations or guest appearances, but her primary focus will be raising her children.
In their own words, they never wanted to simply chase stardom; their goal was “to make music that mattered and impacted people” while “having a healthy home life.” For them, that balance has always been the true definition of success.
Five standout tracks from Maddie & Tae
Here are five of Maddie & Tae’s songs that stand out — either for their impact, popularity, or emotional weight.
| Song | Why it matters |
| Girl in a Country Song | Their debut single – a bold, clever takedown of bro-country cliches and their first No. 1 hit. It established their voice and attitude as fresh and unafraid. |
| Die From a Broken Heart | A heartbreakingly raw ballad that resonated deeply with fans; helped cement their reputation for emotionally honest songwriting. |
| Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams | From their latest album – a song that reflects their real-life transition into motherhood, mirroring the very decision prompting their split. Its lyrics and sentiment make it especially poignant now. |
| Friends Don't | A fan-favourite track often cited by listeners as one of their best – catchy, sincere and showcasing their harmony and songwriting strength. |
| Fly | An earlier song that helped show their range beyond cheeky or heartbreak-themed tunes; a gentle, uplifting number that appealed to broader audiences. Long-time fans often reference it when discussing their versatility. |
