Country music icon Carly Pearce is ready to shine again as she makes a triumphant return to the stage following a recent health scare. The Grammy-winning artist, who had been diagnosed with pericarditis in May, will perform at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival on August 11, sharing the stage with headliner Jason Aldean at the Burl’s Creek Event Grounds near Barrie, Ontario.
Pearce, 34, had initially feared that her heart condition might force her to cancel several tour dates, including her highly anticipated appearance at the festival. However, she is now optimistic and feeling much better. “I’m doing a lot better now,” Pearce revealed. “I’ve started to incorporate some physical activity, so there probably won’t be that big of a difference when I come to Boots and Hearts as there was maybe back in June. I’m on two medications, which is exciting and definitely progress … I’m just taking care of myself to make sure I can get all the way healed.”
Joining the lineup for the festival’s 13th edition, Pearce will be performing alongside notable acts such as Matchbox Twenty, Thomas Rhett, the Brothers Osborne, Emerson Drive, the Hunter Brothers, and Madeline Merlo. While Pearce admits to having mixed feelings about performing at large festivals due to her more centered musical style, she is looking forward to the unique energy that festival crowds bring. “Festival crowds are really excited, and they bring an energy that’s really special,” she said.
Pearce is also gearing up for the release of her fourth album, “Hummingbird,” a follow-up to her 2021 album “29: Written in Stone.” The new album, which Pearce co-produced and for which she wrote 13 of the 14 songs, is particularly meaningful as it represents her personal journey of healing following her divorce from fellow country musician Michael Ray and the death of her producer Michael Busbee. “I think this album is the light at the end of the tunnel and for anybody on a similar journey that you can overcome,” she explained.
Pearce’s musical journey began in her youth, with early performances in bluegrass and at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, which she credits with solidifying her passion for country music. Moving to Nashville at 19, she encountered initial setbacks but eventually found success, signing with Big Machine Records and winning numerous awards, including the 2021 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. Her collaboration with Ashley McBryde on “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” earned her a Grammy, a milestone Pearce still finds surreal. “I’m looking at my Grammy right now. It still blows my mind every time I see it—to think that I achieved something of that stature.”
One of Pearce’s career highlights was being invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by Dolly Parton herself in June 2021, a dream come true for Pearce. “From five years old, all I wanted to do was be a member of the Opry, so to have one of the greatest artists of all time—who’s had such an impact on me—be the one to invite me, I don’t know if you could ever create a better moment.”
As an honored member of the Opry, Pearce is committed to maintaining its rich tradition, following in the footsteps of legendary artists like Garth Brooks and Alison Krauss. She also notes a special Canadian connection to her new album, with Toronto’s Robyn Dell’Unto co-writing the song “Things I Don’t Chase.” Pearce finds particular resonance in this track, as it conveys an important message about not chasing love, a sentiment she believes many of her fans need to hear.
When not on the road, Pearce describes herself as a homebody, cherishing quiet moments with her two dogs at her Nashville home. Among her new songs, “My Place” stands out as particularly significant, written during a painful breakup and reflecting the emotional intensity she channels into her music.
Though still relatively new to the industry, Pearce remains dedicated to achieving the highest standards set by her peers. “You realize you’re in the major league of success with the best, and you’ve got to make sure that you’re working as hard as you can to be able to have music that can level up with theirs—because they’re the reason that you’re doing this.”
With her health on the mend and a new album on the horizon, Carly Pearce is ready to take the stage once again, more resilient and inspired than ever.