Dennis Quaid Discusses His Move from Los Angeles to Nashville

Dennis Quaid recently shared his reasons for leaving Los Angeles, expressing a sense of disappointment with the city he oncefound great. He described his frustration with the city’s current state, noting it has been “in decline” over the years. The 72-year-old actor relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Lauren Savoie, in 2020, joining the trend of many who are moving away from LA.

In a conversation with reporters, the “Parent Trap” star reflected on his decades spent in Los Angeles, revealing how he became increasingly disillusioned with the city’s governance—an issue that has been magnified, especially after the disastrous fires that hit California in early 2025.

“It was a fantastic town back in the ’90s,” Quaid remarked during the CMA Fest. “But since then, things have gone downhill. People are paying taxes without receiving proper services.” He emphasized the growing frustration among residents, especially after natural disasters expose deeper systemic issues.

Quaid, now among the many who left Los Angeles, shared a hope for the city to revive, recalling its former vibrancy and community spirit. Yet, he acknowledged a challenging reality: “People seem half angry and half resigned,” he added, reflecting on the emotional toll of the recent crises.

Although Quaid has made Nashville his primary home, he still owns a property in LA’s Brentwood area. In January 2025, he was forced to evacuate when fires destroyed over 18,000 buildings and claimed 31 lives. Following this disaster, he became openly critical of LA Mayor Karen Bass, particularly regarding her handling of the fires and the city’s preparedness.

Quaid actively participated in protests calling for Bass’s resignation, describing himself as a “common-sense independent” with conservative leanings. He has previously voiced support for Donald Trump and has attended related political events. When discussing the recent mayoral primary, he expressed support for Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star running as an independent, stating, “I hope Pratt wins.”

During a previous interview, Quaid did not shy away from expressing his reasons for backing Pratt. He noted, “Just look around,” hinting at the ongoing issues facing the city.

Pratt, who lost his home in the fires, launched his campaign amid the protests, focusing on vital issues like homelessness and public safety. Though initial vote counts placed him in strong contention, he ultimately fell short in the race against Mayor Bass.

When discussing his move, Quaid cited Nashville’s vibrant music scene as one of the attractions. While renowned for his acting, he has also nurtured a long-standing music career, performing with his band, Dennis Quaid & the Sharks. His recent work includes a gospel album and collaborations with other artists on faith-based music.

At the CMA Fest, he appeared alongside Tanya Tucker to promote their upcoming music video for “On My Way to Heaven” and shared memories of the song’s origins. The track was inspired by his transformative experiences during rehab in the early ’90s, leading him to re-examine his faith and help convey his journey through music.

Quaid’s insights also touched on the success of country music, emphasizing the genre’s foundations on faith, family, and hard work—values he believes have always resonated with audiences. Reflecting on his musical influences, he mentioned the significant impact of Hank Williams and the connection to hardworking individuals.

Overall, Quaid’s story highlights a broader narrative of change in Los Angeles and the artist’s personal evolution as he navigates the landscapes of both life and career.