As July 2025 unfolds, the country music landscape is a vibrant tapestry of major festival openings, significant artist releases, chart-topping hits, and community solidarity, all while beloved figures navigate personal milestones.
Dolly Parton Pauses New Music Amidst Personal Reflection
In a poignant development, country music icon Dolly Parton has chosen to delay new music releases, dedicating this period to grieving the recent loss of her husband, Carl Dean. Sources indicate that Parton is finding solace and strength in cherished memories and her enduring faith during this challenging time. This decision reflects a deeply personal moment for the legendary artist, with the broader country music community offering their support and understanding.
Community Rallies for Texas Flood Victims
The country music community has demonstrated its characteristic generosity and spirit of unity by mobilizing to support those affected by recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country. Efforts are underway to provide much-needed aid and assistance to victims, showcasing the industry’s commitment to helping those in need.
July 2025: A Monumental Month for Releases and Performances
The month of July 2025 has already proven to be a landmark period for country music, marked by a flurry of significant releases and high-profile performances.
Sammy Sadler kicked off a series of notable releases on July 24, 2025, with the unveiling of his new single, “If I Had a Cheating Heart.” The following day, July 25th, was effectively declared a country music holiday by fans and critics alike, due to a wave of highly anticipated album drops. Cody Jinks released “In My Blood,” Tyler Childers unveiled “Snipe Hunter,” Hudson Westbrook dropped “Texas Forever,” and Whitey Morgan presented his new work, “July 25th.” These releases immediately garnered significant attention, underscoring the depth of talent within the genre.
Karissa Ella added to the visual landscape of country music by releasing the music video for her song “Growing Wings” on July 24, 2025. In a career-defining moment, Thomas Rhett delivered a sold-out stadium debut performance at the iconic Fenway Park on July 24, 2025, solidifying his status as a major force in contemporary country music.
Miranda Lambert achieved a significant career milestone as her duet with Chris Stapleton, “A Song to Sing,” recorded her biggest streaming debut to date. This collaboration highlights the powerful synergy between two of country music’s most compelling voices.
Chart Performance and Standout Tracks
On the charts, Morgan Wallen continues to dominate, with his track “Just in Case” holding the top spot on the Top 40 Country Songs for July 2025. His collaboration with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” also continues to perform strongly on the charts. Ella Langley’s “Weren’t for the Wind” is being recognized for its substantial impact on both sales and streaming figures, marking her as an artist to watch. Blake Shelton’s track “Texas” is also receiving notable attention as a standout performance.
Major Festivals Ignite Across North America
The mid-July period also saw the commencement of several major country music festivals across the continent, drawing massive crowds and showcasing a diverse lineup of artists.
In Fort Loramie, Ohio, Country Concert 2025 kicked off from July 10-12, featuring headlining performances by Brad Paisley, Parker McCollum, and Blake Shelton, alongside sets from Brantley Gilbert and Koe Wetzel.
Across the border in Canada, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in Prince Edward Island, Canada, presented a star-studded lineup including Shania Twain, Tyler Hubbard, and Lainey Wilson. Further west, Country Thunder Saskatchewan hosted major acts such as Def Leppard, Bailey Zimmerman, and Jason Aldean.
Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout also commenced, welcoming performances from Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion, Kane Brown, and Jon Pardi. Meanwhile, the Napanee Country Jamboree in Napanee, Ontario, Canada, ran from July 10-12, 2025, featuring performances from traditional acts like The Plowboys and Larry Efaw and The Bluegrass Mountaineers.
Beyond these major events, the festival circuit continued with the Hodag Country Festival in Wisconsin and the Lakefront Music Fest in Minnesota also taking place during July, ensuring a packed calendar for country music enthusiasts throughout the month. John Carter Cash also announced his upcoming album, “Pineapple John,” is slated for release on September 12, 2025, adding another highly anticipated event to the fall music calendar.
