Maddie & Tay Announce Hiatus, But Not a Split

The country duo Maddie & Tay has shared that they are taking a break from their music career, though they want fans to know they’re not breaking up for good.

In a recent talk, Maddie Marlowe Font and Tay Dai Karr expressed their decision to step back from releasing music as a duo, yet emphasized that it’s not a permanent separation. “We’re leaving this open-ended because one day we might make another record,” Font remarked. She hinted at the possibility of touring in the future.

The pair first crossed paths in 2010 and hit their stride with the chart-topping single “Girl in a Country Song” in 2014. Since then, they’ve put out four albums and four EPs and have received numerous nominations, including 13 CMA Awards and 11 ACM Awards.

Tay shared that he’s stepping away from music to focus on family, while Maddie is opting for a solo career. Tay has two children—a three-year-old daughter named Leighton and a 13-month-old son named Chapel—with his husband Josh Kerr. Meanwhile, Maddie has a two-year-old son, Forrest, with her spouse, Jonah Font.

“Even though we’re not on this journey together as Maddie and Tae, we’re still in each other’s lives,” Font explained. “We want to enjoy our friendships and focus on family.” In her view, nothing changes regarding their bond.

Tay described the breakup as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing her lifelong dream of being a musician. “It’s been my dream forever,” she said, but acknowledged that life sometimes pulls you in different directions. She’s excited to embrace her new roles as wife and mother.

Maddie related, “I’m a mother myself, so I understand how demanding it is.” After reflecting on their current situations, she said, “Being a mother is so challenging yet so rewarding. It’s fine if you choose to step back or keep pushing forward with your career.” They hope to be positive examples of both paths.

As for Maddie’s solo pursuits, she mentioned a strong motivation that keeps her passionate about music, while noting that her husband’s decision to be a stay-at-home dad helps her to keep doing what she loves.

The duo made their announcement through a joint statement and, while fans expressed their disappointment, many were supportive and understood the reasons behind the decision.

Some fans reacted with sadness on social media, with comments like “Worst news to hear on a Monday” and “It’s so sad, but understandable. They have families now.” Others noted the need for a break after long periods on the road.