Maddie & Tay Announce Hiatus, Not a Breakup

The country music duo Maddie & Tay has decided to take a break, but they’ve reassured their fans that they are not disbanding.

In a recent conversation, Maddie Marlowe Font and Tay Dai Karr shared that they’ve opted to step back from creating music as a duo, although this separation isn’t meant to be permanent. Font mentioned, “We’re leaving this open-ended because one day we might make another record. Maybe we’ll do a tour date someday.”

Their journey began in 2010, and they hit No. 1 in 2014 with their debut single “Girl in a Country Song.” Since then, they’ve put out four albums, four EPs, and have received nominations for multiple awards, including 13 CMA Awards and 11 ACM Awards.

Tay has decided to pause music-related activities to focus on family, while Maddie is looking to pursue a solo career. Tay shares two kids, three-year-old Leighton and 13-month-old Chapel, with her husband Josh Kerr. Maddie has a two-year-old son, Forrest, with her husband Jonah Font.

Font expressed, “Even though we’re not going to be on this journey together as Maddie and Tay, we’re still walking together and living our lives outside of the journey. I think we’re excited just to be best friends and have a friendship without the pressures of work, while raising our families.” It sounds like they’re still committed to their friendship, which is nice to hear.

In an interview, Tae described the decision to step back as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing that being a musician had always been her lifelong dream. But, as she reflected, “life changes and there are seasons when your family needs you more.” She now aspires to be the best wife and mother she can be.

Maddie chimed in, sharing her perspective on motherhood, “Being a mother is so hard and so beautiful. There’s no right way.” Both expressed admiration for women who balance careers and family life, recognizing the strength it takes to navigate both worlds.

While Maddie is enthusiastic about her solo career—humorously noting she has “a fire like Texas burning inside of me”—she also appreciates her husband’s decision to take on more parenting responsibilities, allowing her to focus on her passions.

The duo released a joint statement regarding their hiatus, and fans quickly took to social media to express mixed feelings. Some expressed sadness at the news, while others understood the necessity of their decision. One fan mentioned, “Worst news to hear on a Monday,” while another acknowledged, “They probably need a break,” appreciating the need for balance in their lives.