Smoking has long had a rebellious connection in country music. Still, it’s not something you’d expect when it comes to female country singers. While some stars kept their smoking habits private, others have embraced it as part of their public persona. Here’s a look at the female country singers who smoke—or used to—and how it has impacted their lives and careers.
Alison Krauss Surprised Fans with Her Smoking Habit
Alison Krauss, celebrated for her pristine voice and bluegrass roots, shocked many when she revealed that she smoked. In a 1995 interview, Krauss admitted she picked up smoking to provoke those who disapproved of women smoking. She has since quit, but the impact may have lingered. Krauss later developed dysphonia, a vocal cord disorder, which interrupted her career. Though she eventually recovered, it was a reminder of the toll smoking can take on a singer’s voice.
Gretchen Wilson Quit Smoking in Front of Thousands
Gretchen Wilson, known for her raw and rebellious persona, was a longtime smoker. However, in 2011, during a concert in Texas, she publicly quit smoking, lighting her final cigarette in front of her fans. While she had previously kept her smoking out of the public eye, her decision to quit on stage made a bold statement, showing that even country’s toughest women recognize the importance of protecting their health.
Kacey Musgraves Openly Embraces Smoking and Cannabis
Kacey Musgraves has always been candid about her smoking habits, particularly when it comes to cannabis. Her hit song “Follow Your Arrow” even mentions rolling a joint, and she often shares photos of herself smoking on social media. According to Taste of Country, Musgraves has embraced cannabis as part of her laid-back persona, reflecting a broader acceptance of marijuana in today’s music industry. For Musgraves, smoking is a casual part of her life and image, setting her apart in the country music scene.
Loretta Lynn Tried Smoking Once and Hated It
RELATED: Willie Nelson Shares that Marijuana Saved his Life
Loretta Lynn’s experience with smoking is brief but notable. She once tried smoking marijuana to treat glaucoma but quickly decided it wasn’t for her after just one puff. Despite encouragement from Willie Nelson to try it again, Lynn stuck to her decision. While smoking wasn’t part of her lifestyle, her story highlights the sometimes unexpected ways country stars interact with the habit.
Maren Morris Used Smoking to Cope with Stage Anxiety
Maren Morris, known for her powerhouse vocals, used to smoke to manage stage anxiety. In a 2019 interview, she shared that smoking helped calm her nerves before performances. However, realizing its toll on her voice, Morris eventually quit. She now relies on healthier ways to manage stress, recognizing that her voice is her most valuable asset.
How Smoking Affects the Voices of Female Country Singers
For singers, smoking is often more harmful than beneficial. It can dry out vocal cords, reduce lung capacity, and permanently lower vocal range. According to Tobacco Free Life, smoking not only affects vocal cords but also contributes to long-term issues like chronic bronchitis and laryngitis. Alison Krauss’s battle with dysphonia is a prime example of how smoking can impact even the most talented voices. While some singers may appreciate the raspy quality smoking adds, the long-term damage is a high price to pay for vocal performance.
Why These Female Country Singers Chose to Quit or Embrace Smoking
While some female country singers have quit smoking to protect their voices, others have made it part of their identity. Kacey Musgraves embraced it, while Gretchen Wilson chose to make a public show of quitting. Each singer has faced different challenges, but the common thread is balancing personal choices with professional demands.
From Alison Krauss’s surprising habit to Kacey Musgraves’ openness about cannabis, these female country singers have their own stories when it comes to smoking. Some have left the habit behind, while others have made it part of their image. Whether they smoke for relaxation or performance anxiety, their decisions highlight how smoking can shape not only their personal lives but also their careers.
