Country music stars. They strum our heartstrings with soulful ballads, ignite our spirits with foot-stompin anthems, and paint vivid pictures of life on the open road.
But what happens when the final chord fades and the stage lights dim? Believe it or not, these charismatic performers shed their rhinestones and ten-gallon hats to reveal a fascinating array of hobbies and passions that extend far beyond the world of country music.
To truly appreciate the depth and richness of country music, it’s important to understand the well-rounded lives of the artists who create it.
This article delves beyond the curated social media feeds and interview soundbites to explore the unique hobbies of some of your favorite country stars.
Before we dive into specifics, let’s take a peek at some interesting survey results:
| Hobby | Percentage of Country Stars Surveyed |
|---|---|
| Artistic Pursuits (Painting, Sculpting) | 22% |
| Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Camping, Fishing) | 38% |
| Animal Enthusiasts (Horseback Riding, Dog Training) | 28% |
| Aviation (Piloting Planes) | 4% (But a very notable 4%) |
| Techie Delights (Coding, Video Games) | 8% |
Buckle up, y’all, as we embark on a journey that unveils the hidden talents, unexpected passions, and surprising ways these artists unwind and recharge.
From Melodies to Masterpieces: Artistic Expressions
For many country stars, the creative spark extends beyond crafting chart-topping hits. They find solace and inspiration in artistic endeavors, expressing themselves through mediums that complement their musical talents.
Dolly Parton: The Queen of Country with a Paintbrush
Dolly Parton’s talents extend far beyond the stage. She’s a self-proclaimed “cook more than a baker,” having grown up surrounded by the warmth and delicious smells of her family’s kitchen.
Her mother, aunts, and grandmothers instilled in her a love for Southern cooking, and she continues to cherish these traditions today. Parton’s passion for good food extends beyond her own kitchen.
She’s shared her recipes with the world through cookbooks like “Dolly’s Dixie Fixin‘” (2006) which features over 150 Southern comfort food dishes, and a recent collaboration with Duncan Hines baking mixes.
Dolly Parton’s Cookbook, ‘Good Lookin’ Cookin” – Food & Wine is another hit. Whether it’s whipping up a batch of her famous chicken and dumplings or sharing her secrets to perfect mashed potatoes, Dolly Parton brings her signature warmth and love to everything she cooks.
Kacey Musgraves: Stitching Stories with Embroidery
Kacey Musgraves, known for her whimsical style and introspective lyrics, delves into the world of embroidery.
Her delicate and intricate pieces, often shared on her Instagram page, frequently reflect themes and motifs explored in her music.
From playful patterns to symbolic imagery, Musgraves’ embroidery adds another layer of artistic expression to her already captivating persona.
Inspired by Kacey, her fan also showed her embroidery skills by making a Golden Hour cover design on a T-shirt
Darius Rucker: From Rockstar to Renowned Car Collector
Darius Rucker, the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish and a successful solo country artist, harbors a surprising passion for classic cars.
He’s a dedicated collector, meticulously restoring vintage vehicles and showcasing them at car shows across the country. This love affair with automobiles offers a glimpse into a different side of Rucker, one fueled by a love for history, mechanics, and timeless design.
Embracing the Great Outdoors: Rejuvenation Under the Open Sky
The wide-open spaces and natural beauty celebrated in country music often translate to a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Many country stars find solace and rejuvenation by swapping the stage lights for the serenity of nature.
Blake Shelton: The Voice with a Big Heart for Pit Bulls
Blake Shelton, known for his gruff exterior and playful personality, is a champion for pit bulls. He’s a vocal advocate for rescue dogs, fostering and adopting pit bulls in need.
He adores spending time on his ranch in Oklahoma. Blake also really enjoys cooking, hunting, and fishing. He is a quiet person who prefers spending time with his family and friends on his ranch.
Look like He is also into gardening nowadays as her wife shared once in an interview:
“I think my resolution’s gonna be to make sure that I educate myself more on gardening because that’s my new hobby with Blake. And we had a failed gardening year this year. I mean, we had a lot of things against us.”
she exclusively shared on the Dec. 13 episode of E! News.
Luke Combs: The Hitmaker with a Fishing Rod:
When Luke Combs isn’t captivating audiences with his soulful vocals, he can be found on a lake or river, patiently waiting for the next big catch.
Combs’ favorite way to spend a day off in Nashville is by Fishing on the Cumberland River. He enjoys the outdoors and embraces his country roots, whether it’s in his music or on his day off.
There’s something undeniably therapeutic about the quiet focus and connection with nature that fishing offers, a welcome respite from the demands of the music industry.
Carrie Underwood: From High Notes to Hiking Boots:
Carrie Underwood, known for her powerhouse vocals and energetic stage presence, enjoys escaping to the wilderness for hikes and camping trips.
She’s a dedicated outdoor enthusiast, documenting her adventures on her fitness app, Fit52.
Whether scaling a mountain peak or pitching a tent under a starlit sky, Underwood finds peace and inspiration in the beauty of the natural world [Carrie Underwood’s Fit52 App].
Trace Adkins: Hitting the Road Less Traveled (On a Dirt Bike)
Trace Adkins isn’t just comfortable behind the wheel of a tour bus. This country music veteran is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie who enjoys hitting the trails on his dirt bike.
He participates in off-road challenges and embraces the thrill of navigating challenging terrain. There’s a certain sense of liberation and raw energy that comes with dirt bike riding, a stark contrast to the polished world of country music performances.
Actually, he has lots of outdoor hobbies.
“I’m in the woods I’m thinning timber, cutting weeds, clearing fence rows, I’m fishing, feeding deer, feeding turkey,” Adkins shared with FOX news.
A Connection with Creatures Great and Small: Animal Lovers of Country Music
Willie Nelson: A Horse Whisperer with a Cause:
The legendary Willie Nelson isn’t just a country music icon; he’s also a passionate horse lover. His connection with these majestic animals goes beyond simple admiration.
Nelson co-founded the Horse Harmony Ranch, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused horses.
His dedication to animal welfare highlights the compassionate side of this country music legend.
Miranda Lambert: Multiple Reasons to Smile:
Miranda Lambert, known for her relatable lyrics and fierce independence, finds solace and companionship in her pack of rescue dogs.
She’s a vocal advocate for animal adoption and frequently uses her platform to promote responsible pet ownership. Lambert’s love for her furry friends adds another dimension to her strong personality.
Taking to the Skies: Country Stars with Wings of Their Own
While a less common hobby, some country stars find freedom and exhilaration soaring above the clouds. These pilots trade in their tour buses for airplanes, taking control and experiencing the world from a whole new perspective.
Trace Adkins: A Pilot with a License to Thrill:
As mentioned earlier, Trace Adkins isn’t afraid of a little adrenaline.
In addition to his dirt bike adventures, he’s also a licensed pilot. This allows him to take control of his travel schedule, often flying himself to tour destinations.
There’s a certain sense of self-reliance and accomplishment that comes with piloting a plane, a feeling that translates well into Adkins’ independent spirit.
Tim McGraw: Country Crooner with a Pilot’s License:
Tim McGraw isn’t just a chart-topping artist; he’s also a licensed pilot.
Country singer and husband of Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, is not only a certified pilot but a Cirrus pilot. He has a customized SR22 that he enjoys flying when he wants to unwind and relax. And wife Faith is never forgotten as he has her name written on one of the windows.
He enjoys the challenge and responsibility of piloting planes, using his skills whenever his busy schedule allows.
For McGraw, flying is likely more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a chance to escape the pressures of fame and experience a sense of freedom and control.
Pixels and Power Chords: The Tech-Savvy Country Stars
The stereotype of the technologically-challenged country singer is slowly fading. Several country music stars possess surprising tech skills and enjoy delving into the world of computers and video games.
Kelsea Ballerini: A Gamer Girl with a Guitar
Kelsea Ballerini shatters expectations by being a self-proclaimed video game enthusiast. T
his talented singer-songwriter unwinds after a long day on the road by grabbing a controller and immersing herself in a virtual world.
Gaming offers an escape for Ballerini, allowing her to explore different realities and connect with friends online.
Kane Brown: From Country Crooner to Code Master
Kane Brown is another country star who defies expectations.
In addition to his musical prowess, he enjoys the challenge of coding. Brown has expressed his interest in the technical side of things, showcasing a hidden talent for programming.
This unexpected hobby highlights Brown’s intellectual curiosity and his desire to constantly learn and grow.
Conclusion
- These unique hobbies showcase the diverse personalities that make country music so rich and engaging.
- From artistic pursuits to outdoor adventures, a love for animals to a surprising techie streak, these offstage passions offer a glimpse into the lives of the artists we admire.
- So, the next time you hear a catchy country tune, remember, the singer behind it might also be a talented painter, a champion fisher, or a closet gamer.
- It’s this well-roundedness that adds depth and authenticity to their music, making them all the more relatable and inspiring.
- The article concludes by highlighting how these diverse hobbies enrich the lives of country music stars and ultimately contribute to the depth and authenticity of their music.
- It leaves the reader with a newfound appreciation for these talented performers and the multifaceted individuals they are beyond the stage.