With the “Yellowstone” universe expanding to “1932,” Tim McGraw is reflecting on his time as James Dutton in “1883.” He tells “CMT,” “I learned that you can work through being really tired, cause it beat us up pretty good. It was a lot of hard work, but it was such a gratifying experience.”

The “Humble and Kind” singer adds, “I think more than anything, the hard work from the crew, the hard work from the actors, I learned that it’s one of those things that you can’t show up and expect to be good. You have to put the work in, and you have to put your heart and soul into something like that.”

There’s no word on whether McGraw and Faith Hill will return to the small screen or not.

Source: CMT

AARP is celebrating Country Music in their June/July magazine issue. The over 50 organization’s “For Love of Country” cover and article feature Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, WIllie Nelson, Vince Gill, plus more…. and even Kane Brown!

They each write about what makes America great, but it’s Kane’s job to lead the conversation about the changing landscape of Country music and Nashville. Brown shares “I hope that by the time my daughter is a little older, she sees herself when she looks at all areas of entertainment, including country music.”

Included in the issue is a Country playlist put together by historian Peter Cooper and even a quiz to see how well you know the genre.

Source: AARP

Country music has always lifted up the military and several stars took the time to reflect about Memorial Day on socials.

Brantley Gilbert: “I went through a phase where I was really weird about celebratin’ Memorial Day, just because I felt weird if I just went and got on a boat somewhere and just partied. I always felt like I was bein’ disrespectful. But I had a conversation with a buddy of mine, Tig.” Tig told him “We want people to have a good time. I can’t speak for everybody, but speaking for me, that’s what we fought for.”

Brett Young: “We need to remember soldiers and people that have gone to war to protect our country and sacrificed of themselves to protect our lives here.”

Carly Pearce: “To me, this weekend and Memorial Day itself, is all about commemorating their selfless sacrifices. What they do for us, is just an unbelievable example of love.”

Chris Young: “I think it’s just a time that we should take and take a moment to remember all of the American heroes. I mean, I think it’s something that we will all definitely keep in our minds.”

Jordan Davis: “Both my grandparents were in the service; my cousin was also a Marine, so the military hits close to home. We live in the best country in the world, and it’s because of those guys. I can’t thank ’em enough. I wish we had Memorial Day every day.”

Source: The Country Daily

It’s been 17 years since Carrie Underwood was named winner of “American Idol” and she marked the occasion this week by sharing a page from her journal, written at the time of her win.

“Today is the 17 year anniversary of my @americanidol win! Where does the time go?,” she writes. “Please enjoy a page from the journal of a 22-year-old farm girl who just had the most incredible night! I still feel the excitement through the pages!,” adding, “Happy anniversary to me and a forever “thank you” to all who voted! ☺️”

The page details Carrie’s thoughts as she was about to win the talent competition. “It came down to the final moment,” she wrote. “Ryan had the gold card in his hand. Oh year, I forgot to mention that they presented us with keys to 2 identical red convertible 2005 Mustangs! How cool is that?”

She adds, “Anyways, back to the story,” noting, “Big moment. I took one more look at the amazing crowd and let it sink in for a few seconds. Ryan said something like ‘And your 2005 American Idol is…’ My heart beat fast and I closed my eyes. CARRIE UNDERWOOD!!!”