Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Hollyberry: The Perfect Christmas Gift for Matt Stell

by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Honestly, picking out a gift for someone at Christmas is one of the hardest choices we come through during the holidays. You’d never know what someone would want, but when you managed to tug their heartstrings through your gifts, the joy is simply unspeakable.

Today, Matt Stell shared how he once received a Christmas Gift from his mother and how it’s something he never wanted anyone to get. It’s none other than his dog, Hollyberry!

Picky Receiver

If you would ask Matt Stell of the most memorable Christmas childhood memory he had, it was the time his mother got him a puppy, a good little dog they named Hollyberry. But as a young kid at that time, of course, his mother already speculated that she would become the dog’s caretaker, and apparently, she did. Matt Stell also recalled how his mother and his dog even hit it off better than their relationship. He’s sure though that he loves his canine with his whole heart just like his parents did.

Being frank, the country artist still thinks that the dog was his all-time favorite present. He also admits that he wasn’t always the easiest one to give presents to, but he did list out some things that he said he wouldn’t want to receive from Santa as he only wanted toys and video games for Christmas or if not these, he didn’t mind receiving cards, just not clothes or anything that falls within that category. Believe it or not, even to this day, he still stands by that statement and preference when receiving presents during the holidays.

Country Music Leap

But Matt Stell’s best present this year isn’t wrapped in one of those fancy Christmas wrappers or crates. It was the recognition of one of his singles which officially became his second number one song released recently in November, ‘Everywhere But On’. This song of his holds a lot of meaning for him as it talked about his musical journey and how it paved a way for him to step into Nashville, Texas, the heart and soul of country music.

Matt Stell talks about good friends who took him in loke Paul Sikes and Lance Miller who are both renowned songwriters in town, and that’s why he says he ‘moved everywhere but on’. The single landed in the country radio airplay chart’s # 1 spot recently which was honestly one of the best things he could receive during the season.

Latest Stories

Post Malone and Ashley McBryde light up Opry 100 with a fiery duet of Jackson, channeling Johnny and June’s playful country spirit.

Post Malone and Ashley McBryde Lit Up the Stage with a Fiery “Jackson” Duet at Opry 100

It wasn’t in the original plan, but it might’ve been better that way. Post Malone, yes, that Post Malone, stepped in at the last minute to join Ashley McBryde for ...

Lainey Wilson and Marty Stuart perform Lost Highway at Opry 100 using Hank Williams’ guitar, delivering a moving tribute to his lasting legacy.

Lainey Wilson and Marty Stuart Made Hank’s Guitar Sing at Opry 100

There’s honoring a legend—and then there’s channeling one. When Lainey Wilson and Marty Stuart stepped onto the Ryman stage during the Opry 100 celebration, they didn’t just nod to Hank ...

Luke Combs delivers a raw, emotional tribute to George Jones with The Grand Tour at Opry 100, channeling pure, traditional country power.

Luke Combs Honored George Jones With Nothing But His Voice and the Room Went Still

Luke Combs has never been shy about his roots. And when he stepped into the Circle during Opry 100 at the Ryman Auditorium—the Mother Church of Country Music—there was no ...

Country fans praise Opry 100 as one of the best specials in years, celebrating its heartfelt tribute to real country music and tradition.

Country Fans Are Calling Opry 100 One of the Best Country Specials in Years

The Grand Ole Opry turned 100 this year. If the live NBC celebration taught us anything, it’s that traditional country music is far from fading. In that case, it’s standing ...

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood honored George and Tammy at Opry 100 with a heartfelt tribute that captured the timeless soul of classic country.

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Poured Their Hearts Into a George and Tammy Tribute That Felt So Real

When Garth Brooks stepped into the Circle during the Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration and started singing “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the room changed. The crowd got quiet. Some sang ...

George Strait and Willie Nelson were absent from the Opry 100 celebration because, surprisingly, neither legend is a Grand Ole Opry member.

Where Were George Strait and Willie Nelson at the Opry 100 Celebration?

The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary was packed with moments that’ll be talked about for years. Carrie Underwood’s emotional tribute to Randy Travis had folks in tears. A massive chorus ...

The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary ended with an unaired finale as country stars joined together for Will the Circle Be Unbroken in a powerful tribute.

The Powerful Grand Ole Opry Finale That Viewers Never Got to See

The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-anniversary celebration was filled with unforgettable performances, but the most meaningful moment never made it to air. While the NBC special ended with a stunning tribute ...

Reba McEntire honors Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn at Opry 100 with a powerful tribute, proving their legacy in country music lives on.

Reba McEntire Honored Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn With a Performance That Brought the Opry to Tears

If anyone would kick off the Opry’s 100th anniversary the right way, it was Reba McEntire. Standing on that legendary stage, she paid tribute to two of the most iconic ...

The Grand Ole Opry closed its 100th anniversary with a powerful tribute to Dolly Parton, ending the night with I Will Always Love You.

The Grand Ole Opry Ended Its 100th Anniversary With a Powerful Tribute to Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton was not there in person, but you would have never known it. Her presence was everywhere. To close out the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th-anniversary celebration, some of country ...

Carrie Underwood’s emotional tribute at Opry 100 brought the audience to tears as Randy Travis sang the final word, creating an unforgettable moment.

Carrie Underwood’s Heartfelt Tribute At Opry 100 Had Audience In Tears

Sometimes, all it takes is one word to bring an entire room to tears. Carrie Underwood was in the middle of honoring Randy Travis at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th ...