NashvilleGab - Dwight Yoakam's Wife: Meet Emily Joyce

Dwight Yoakam, the iconic country singer and songwriter, has not only captured hearts with his music but also with his personal life, particularly his relationship with Emily Joyce.

Their love story, spanning over a decade, culminated in a marriage in a world overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though largely known for her association with Yoakam, Emily Joyce has a story and career of her own.

In this article, we will delve deep into Emily Joyce’s life, her relationship with Dwight Yoakam, and their journey together.

Let’s get started!

Early Life and Background

Emily Joyce hails from Omaha, Nebraska, a stark contrast to Dwight Yoakam’s Kentucky roots. Her early life in Nebraska remains largely private, but it is evident that her Midwestern upbringing influenced her down-to-earth personality and values.

A Talented Photographer

Emily Joyce is a talented photographer, although she tends to keep a low profile regarding her professional life. Her passion for photography has been evident through her exhibitions and the moments she captures behind the lens.

In 2016, she held an exhibit at The Salon in Los Angeles, showcasing her photographic talent. Her work often includes candid shots of Dwight Yoakam, capturing the essence of his personality and their life together.

Yoakam has publicly expressed his admiration for Joyce’s photographic skills.

In a heartfelt birthday tribute on Instagram in November 2019, he shared a photo of her with a camera and wrote, “Happy Birthday Emily!!⁣ ⁣Thank you for the love and joy you give to my life.⁣ I love you for selflessly sharing the space in my life that isn’t always an easy place to be.⁣ ⁣Love⁣ ⁣Dwight.”

Emily Joyce at a Photography Exhibit — *Emily Joyce at her photography exhibit at The Salon in Los Angeles, 2016.*
(Source: Barry King /Getty)

The Love Story: From Dating to Marriage

Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce’s love story began in 2010. The couple kept their relationship private, making occasional public appearances together but largely staying out of the spotlight. Their bond grew stronger over the years, and they became engaged after several years of dating.

In March 2020, just before the COVID-19 quarantine measures took effect, Yoakam and Joyce tied the knot in a private ceremony at St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California. The ceremony was intimate, with fewer than ten attendees, all seated at least six feet apart to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

The couple waited until May 2020 to publicly announce their marriage, out of respect for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They conveyed to PEOPLE that even amidst widespread uncertainty, there were still moments of happiness to be found.

Yoakam commemorated their wedding day by sharing two photos of himself with Joyce on Instagram, expressing his joy and love for his new bride.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dwight Yoakam (@dwightyoakam)

Becoming Parents

In August 2020, Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce welcomed their first child, a son named Dalton Loren Yoakam. Dalton’s birth was announced via Instagram, accompanied by photos of a pregnant Joyce and Yoakam on their way to the hospital.

The joyous announcement read,

“Like the lyric from the song Waterfall that Dwight wrote for Emily on his 3 Pears album says… Babies get born even in a… Pandemic lockdown… With great joy and happiness Dwight & Emily announce the birth this past Sunday of their new baby boy.”

The couple has since shared glimpses of their life as parents, including a sweet Mother’s Day video in May 2022 of Dalton dancing to Yoakam’s music. The video highlights the love and joy that Dalton has brought into their lives.

Family Photo with Their Son Dalton Loren — Dwight Yoakam, Emily Joyce, and their son Dalton Loren enjoying a family moment.
(Source: Shutter stock)

Life in the Hollywood Hills

Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce reside in a unique home in the Hollywood Hills, a Spanish colonial-style house filled with art and personal touches.

Yoakam has described his home as having a “Mediterranean vernacular,” and he took an active role in its construction, selecting every detail from door hinges to tiles. This house is not just a residence but a creative haven where Yoakam wrote his album “3 Pears.”

In a 2012 interview with PEOPLE, Yoakam mentioned that Joyce was part of his life while he was working on “3 Pears.”

He described how his surroundings and his relationship with Joyce inspired him, mentioning that the album had a lively and joyful energy, focused on having fun and rediscovering love. He also shared that he was extremely happy in his relationship with Joyce during that time.

Supporting Yoakam’s Career

Emily Joyce has been a steadfast supporter of Dwight Yoakam’s career, often accompanying him to public events and award shows.

The couple has been seen at notable events such as the 2019 GQ Men of the Year After Party, the 67th Annual BMI Country Awards in November 2019, and the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2017.

Joyce also documents Yoakam’s radio show on Sirius XM, “Dwight Yoakam and the Bakersfield Beat,” capturing photos of Yoakam with his guests.

Her behind-the-scenes photos provide fans with a glimpse into the making of the show and Yoakam’s interactions with fellow musicians and celebrities.

Milestones in Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce’s Life

Year	Event	Description
2010	Began Dating	Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce start their relationship.
2012	“3 Pears” Album Release	Yoakam releases the album “3 Pears,” inspired by his relationship with Joyce.
2016	Photography Exhibit	Emily Joyce holds a photography exhibit at The Salon in Los Angeles.
2019	Engagement Announcement	The couple announces their engagement after several years of dating.
March 2020	Wedding	Yoakam and Joyce marry in a private ceremony in Santa Monica, California.
August 2020	Birth of Son Dalton Loren	The couple welcomes their first child, Dalton Loren Yoakam.
2022	Mother’s Day Tribute	Yoakam shares a video of Dalton dancing to his music as a Mother’s Day tribute to Joyce.

Milestones in Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce’s Relationship and Careers

A Private but Profound Love

Despite their public appearances, Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce have maintained a relatively private relationship. Their decision to keep their personal life out of the headlines has allowed them to build a strong and enduring bond away from the public eye.

Yoakam’s admiration for Joyce is evident in his public tributes and the way he speaks about her. His love for her is woven into his music, as seen in the song “Waterfall” from his “3 Pears” album, which he wrote for Joyce. The lyrics reflect the depth of his feelings and the joy she brings into his life.

Conclusion

Emily Joyce may be best known as the wife of country music star Dwight Yoakam, but she is an accomplished photographer and a loving mother.
Her relationship with Yoakam, marked by love, respect, and mutual support, is a testament to their deep connection.
From their private wedding to the birth of their son, Dalton Loren, Joyce and Yoakam have shared many happy moments, even in challenging times.
As they continue their journey together, Dwight Yoakam and Emily Joyce remain a beloved couple in the world of country music, inspiring fans with their love story and dedication to each other.
Emily Joyce’s presence in Yoakam’s life has undoubtedly brought him immense joy and fulfillment, making their partnership a beautiful chapter in both their lives.