Ashley McBryde is a rising star in the country music scene, with a Grammy nomination and a new album under her belt. But is she related to one of the most successful and influential country artists of all time, Garth Brooks? The answer is no, but there is a reason why some people might think so. Here’s the story behind the rumors and the connection between the two singers.
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A Surprise Invitation from Garth Brooks
The speculation about Ashley McBryde’s relation to Garth Brooks started in October 2022, when Brooks surprised McBryde on national television with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, the prestigious institution and stage for country music performers. McBryde was promoting her new album, “Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville”, on “CBS Mornings” when Brooks appeared via video from the Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
“I’m here for a proposal, Ms. Ashley,” Brooks said. “You know where we’re at. … I’m standing in the [Opry’s] circle of wood right now where you stand. Ms. Ashley McBryde, on behalf of the Opry and myself as an Opry member — I’ma try not to cry — we would love for you to consider becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
McBryde was stunned and emotional as she accepted the invite, saying it would be “the great joy and the great honor” of her life. Brooks praised her for her talent and respect for country music, and called her a part of “the longest living family in music history”. He also said that the Opry needed her and that she would make it stronger for decades to come.
The surprise invitation was a huge milestone for McBryde, who had been dreaming of joining the Opry since she was a child. She later said that being a member of the Opry and winning a Grammy were the two greatest things that could ever happen to a country entertainer.
A Family of Music, Not Blood
Brooks’ use of the word “family” to describe the Opry members might have confused some viewers who thought he meant that he and McBryde were actually related by blood. However, that is not the case. The two singers are not family members, nor do they share any common ancestry.
According to Wealthypeeps, McBryde was born on July 29, 1983, in Arkansas. She has an older sister named Aubri Walsh and an older brother named Daniel McBryde, who is in the U.S. Navy. She also had another older brother named Clay McBryde, who was in the U.S. Army and passed away in 2018. She has three paternal half-brothers named William Clayton McBryde Jr., Kurt McBryde, and Clint McBryde.
McBryde’s parents are William C. McBryde and Martha Ann Wilkins. Her mother remarried to Doug Wilkins, who has been supportive of McBryde’s music career. Her father was not very fond of her musical aspirations and wanted her to pursue a more stable profession.
Brooks, on the other hand, was born on February 7, 1962, in Oklahoma. He has five siblings: four older half-siblings from his father’s previous marriage (Jim, Jerry, Mike, and Betsy) and one younger sister named Kelly. His parents are Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr. and Colleen McElroy Carroll.
Brooks’ mother was a country singer who recorded for Capitol Records in the 1950s. She encouraged Brooks to pursue his musical talent and helped him land his first gig at a local club when he was 17. His father was a draftsman for an oil company who also supported his son’s passion for music.
As you can see, there is no evidence that Ashley McBryde and Garth Brooks are related by blood or marriage. They are simply fellow country artists who share a love and respect for the genre and its history.
A Mutual Admiration Society
Although Ashley McBryde and Garth Brooks are not related, they do have a mutual admiration for each other’s work and achievements. Brooks has been a fan of McBryde since her debut album, “Jalopies & Expensive Guitars”, in 2016. He has praised her for her authentic voice and storytelling skills.
In 2019, Brooks invited McBryde to open for him at his stadium tour in Boise, Idaho. He also performed a duet with her on her song “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”, which was inspired by her high school teacher who told her she would never make it in the music industry. The song earned McBryde a Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance in 2020.
McBryde has also expressed her gratitude and admiration for Brooks, who she considers one of her heroes and mentors. She has said that Brooks has taught her a lot about being a performer and a person, and that he has always been supportive and generous with his time and advice.
In 2021, McBryde released her third studio album, “Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville”, which showcases her versatility and creativity as a singer-songwriter. The album features collaborations with other artists, such as Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and Miranda Lambert. It also includes a tribute song to Brooks, titled “Garth Brooks”.
The song is a heartfelt homage to Brooks’ influence and impact on McBryde’s life and career. It features lyrics such as “You taught me how to be brave / How to stand up on any stage / How to make ’em remember your name / Like Garth Brooks” and “You’re the reason I’m here / You’re the soundtrack of my years / You’re the thunder in my ears / Like Garth Brooks”.
The song is a testament to the bond that Ashley McBryde and Garth Brooks share as country music artists and Opry members. They may not be related by blood, but they are certainly related by music..
