Hillbilly Live!

I hate this news.

Jon Pardi and his wife, Summer Pardi, announced their divorce on July 3, 2026, after five years of marriage. Of course they are committed to co-parenting their two young daughters, Presley and Sienna Grace.

Jon released a statement on his socials about it saying, “our daughters will always remain our highest priority and we are committed to moving forward with love and respect as co-parents.”

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Divorce is never easy…but it unfortunately happens far too often. And we wish them all the best in their new chapter.

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this Saturday (7/4/26), “Taste of Country” put together a list of patriotic moments in country music history. 

For love of the red, white, and blue, here are the highlights:

1. Alan Jackson debuted “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”at the 2001 CMA Awards, two months after 9/11.

2. Toby Keith played for the troops in Iraq in 2008, but had to join soldiers in a concrete bunker after a round of mortar fire interrupted his performance. Of course, he went back onstage after.

3. Lee Brice got a truck back for a fallen soldier’s family.

4. Johnny Cash recited “Ragged Old Flag” in front of Congress in 1977.

5. Loretta Lynn became the first solo female country performer to sing at the White House in 1971 after she was invited by President Nixon. In 2013, President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

6. Dolly Parton wrote “Color Me America” after the 9/11 attacks.

7. Brantley Gilbert was given a fan’s Purple Heart in 2015.

8. Chris Stapleton’s performance of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in 2023.

9. Craig Morgan re-enlisted and was sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve live onstage at the Opry in 2023.

10. Kellie Pickler performed for troops in Afghanistan on Christmas Day in 2013.

America only turns 250 years old once. So, why not go all in? 

To make sure you have the perfect playlist to celebrate, here’s a list of patriotic country songs for you…

1. “Mr. Red White and Blue”,  Coffey Anderson and Drew Jacobs

2. “God Bless the U.S.A.”,  Lee Greenwood

3. “Ragged Old Flag”,  Johnny Cash

4. “Only in America”,  Brooks and Dunn

5. “Red, White & Bluegrass”,  Dolly Parton

6. “American Saturday Night”,  Brad Paisley

7. “Different ‘Round Here”,  Riley Green

8. “Country Roads, Take Me Home”,  John Denver

9. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue”,  Toby Keith

10. “All-American Girl”,  Carrie Underwood

This is a pretty accurate statement of athletes.

Zach Top loves that Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh uses “Bad Luck” as a walk-up song. He said, “athletes are still like superheroes to me. It’s wild that guys like that know my music or give a [sh*t] about it. 

That’s one of the most fun things.”

It’s America’s 250th birthday this year and I know there will be drunks popping things.

When it comes to fireworks, the best plan is to leave the explosives to the professionals. But since some people can’t celebrate the Fourth of July without blowing stuff up, here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you have a safe holiday weekend…

1. Don’t let your kids handle fireworks, and obviously don’t do anything illegal. Keep in mind that young kids can hurt themselves even with things like sparklers.

2. Keep a big bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case there’s an issue. And if a firework doesn’t go off, never try to pick it up or re-light it.

3. Light fireworks one at a time, and then move away quickly. Also…don’t hold them in your hand, unless the instructions specifically say to do so. Basically…light them and walk away.

4. Never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

5. Don’t get cocky.  According to the latest data, “only” 15 people were killed by fireworks in 2025, but around 13,000 people were injured.  35% of those injuries were to the hands or fingers…22% were injuries to the head, face, or ears…and 38% of injuries involved burns. 

(CPSC)

Whiskey and America are really good friends. As in they’re basically family and whiskey could be considered our country’s greatest crop.

Eric Church’s “Whiskey JYPSI” released a limited-edition bottle for America’s 250th birthday. It’s called Legacy Batch 003: “The Declaration” and it’s a modern reimagining of the spirits distilled by George Washington.

It blends three whiskeys, including one that has a top note from apple brandy barrels that were sourced directly from George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon. I mean that’s as American as it gets y’all.

Eric said, “to mark the 250th anniversary, we wanted to make something that is more than a commemorative bottle, it’s a testament to the grit, restlessness and innovation that built this country.”

For me and my ears….this was pretty bad ass to witness.

Dierks Bentley’s “Off The Map Tour” 2026 is rolling around country with Ricky Skaggs, Cole Goodwin, Kaitlin Butts, Mountain Grass Unit and Owen Riegling on select dates. And he had a special guest show up in Colorado Springs at Ford Amphitheater on Thursday night, July 3, 2026.

Dierks had Cross Canadian Ragweed’s Cody Canada show up for a special performance with Ricky Skaggs and Cole Goodwin. They all covered the hell out of Waylon Jennings’ “Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line”.

Welcome to Friday July 3, 2026. And happy pre-America’s 250th birthday!

Now be sure to do your part in visiting your neighbor liquor store to pair your favorite alcohol with your new favorite country music, because it’s how country music is supposed be enjoyed. Don’t let anyone judge you for it neither.

Projects (Albums & EPs):
Charley Crockett – “Clovis” (finally released)
Blake Whiten – “Something to Say”
Various Artists – “Toby Keith Apple Music Sessions”
Bryan Andrews – “Independence Day”
Spencer Hatcher – “Hot Weather, Cold Beer”
Eric Paslay – “Summer EP”

Singles:
Riley Green ft. Hannah McFarland – “Go Again”

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Billy Strings – “Burn The Other End”
Bryce Leatherwood – “D-R-I-N-K-I-N-G”

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Silverada – “Drag”
Stella Lefty – “Good At Leaving”
Brian Kelley – “Jimmy Buffett Summer”

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Charlie Worsham – “Wrap My Porch Around”
Niko Moon – “AMERICAN DREAMIN”

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Craig Morgan – “Blanket of Stars”
The Ransom Brothers – “I’ve Been Known”
Alicia Blue – “Rose of Tennessee”
Braxton Hamblen – “Work In Progress”

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Hadlie Jo – “Summertime”
Mountain Grass Unit – “Wait for Me”
Schmitty – “I Ain’t That Guy”
Deltona – “The Country”
Colton Venner – “Have A Good Summer (Feat. Donavan Woods)”

Not gonna lie. This got me feeling a patriotic on Wednesday July 1, 2026.

President Donald Trump’s motorcade was escorted by a ceremonial cavalry unit known as “Rough Riders” during his visit to Medora, North Dakota. The riders preceded the motorcade through the badlands to mark the grand opening of the newly built Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

The ceremonial escort was a historical tribute to the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry. “Rough Riders” was the famous nickname given to the military unit led by Theodore Roosevelt himself during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Need to say…this was bad ass for President Trump’s motorcade. And on America’s 250th birthday week nonetheless.

Clint Black canceled his show tomorrow (7/3/26) in Philadelphia because he had a medical emergency. 

He was hospitalized on Sunday with infected tonsils and needed intravenous antibiotic treatment. Luckily that’s all it is and he’s good hands.

His team said in a post, “Clint is on the mend and will make a full recovery and is expected to be discharged from the hospital later this week.”

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