Backstage Country

LISTEN LIVE

Brett Young: ‘Girl Dad’ Advice He Got From His Father-In-Law

Brett Young is the dad to two toddler girls. Presley, who’s 3, and Rowan, who is 1 ½. Brett told us recently that he is so glad his father-in-law gave…

Brett Young: Girl Dad Advice He Got From His Father-In-Law
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Brett Young is the dad to two toddler girls. Presley, who's 3, and Rowan, who is 1 ½. Brett told us recently that he is so glad his father-in-law gave him some great advice about avoiding getting caught in girl conversations that are beyond his ability to understand.

Brett told us, "My wife's dad has two girls. Now I have two girls. My dad just had a boy. I thought forever that I would lean on my dad for parenting advice, and I do because he was an incredible dad, but it's a very specific thing to be a dad that only had girls. And my father-in-law was able to just give advice about how entirely acceptable it is to stay out of every conversation that's outside of your skill set." He continued, "And so, I'm like, I don't know what's happening here. These girls seem like they're having a conversation that is completely foreign to me. So, I'm gonna be over here. You just let me know if I need to take out the trash or something 'cause I'm hangin'."

Not long ago, Young said that he sometimes sits in his driveway to cry over a sad song. Brett believes that most people are also a sucker for a good sad song. Brett said at the time, "I think that that's what people connect with the most, matters of the heart, right? You can write all the party songs in the world; we need those too. But I don't think people are deeply invested in those. I think that's when they like wanna turn up or kinda turn their brain off." He adds, "I think for me, if I'm listening to something, even right now I'm happily married with two beautiful little girls, and I hear a new sad song that I think is well written that I can relate to, I'll still sit in my driveway and cry to it all by myself."

The bells are ringing, it's wedding season! There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, picking the venue, finding the dress, asking your wedding party, choosing flowers, the list goes on and on. And of course, there's the music. Whether you go with a DJ or a band the choice in playlist can determine what your guests say about your nuptials.

According to The Knot, couples want to give guests a celebration tht they'll remember. Couples will spend, on average, $266 per guest. That's up from $214 in 2019... and 26% of couples in 2021 even hired musical performances.

One of those memorable moments guests will be looking out for is your first dance. Choosing a song can be tough, I have had friends who have found it really challenging to agree on a song before the big day. But country music, in every era, has had great songs for weddings.

From classics from Dolly Parton and George Strait to newer hits from Luke Combs and Dan + Shay we've compiled a list of 25 romantic songs that would make any country fan swoon. So if you're getting married this year or know someone who is check out these country songs to use for your first dance.

"Speechless" Dan + Shay

Dan + Shay released "Speechless" in 2018 after both got married to their wives and were inspired by the big day.

"Forever After All" Luke Combs

Luke Combs was inspired to write "Forever After All" after he and his wife moved into their home in Tennessee.

"I Will Always Love You" Dolly Parton

"I Will Always Love You" was written and originally recorded in 1973 by Dolly Parton and was later recorded by Whitney Houston in 1992 for the film The Bodyguard.

"Die A Happy Man" Thomas Rhett

omas Rhett pens a love song to his wife Lauren with this 2016 hit.

"I Don't Dance" Lee Brice

Lee Brice wrote "I Don't Dance" for his wedding to perform for his wife.

"Take My Name" Parmalee

"Take My Name" is a song about finding your person and is a sweet sentiment to the love of your life on your big day.

"Made For You" Jake Owen

The Jake Owen ballad was written for his one and only and tells the story of falling in love with your soulmate.

"Beautiful, Crazy" Luke Combs

According to Country Aircheck, Luke Combs’ “Beautiful Crazy” was the most-played song of 2019.

"God Whispered Your Name" Keith Urban

"God Whispered Your Name" tells the story of a being lost and meeting your true love who helps you find your way.

"You" Dan + Shay

When Dan + Shay wrote "You" they didn't initially think of it as a wedding song but it has become a popular pick.

"Better Together" Luke Combs

Luke Comb's "Better Together" is a love letter to his wife, Nicole.

"In Case You Didn't Know" Brett Young

"In Case You Didn't Know" was inspired by one of Young's cowriter's moms who would always tell him in case you didn't now, I love you.

"Forever To Go" Chace Rice

Chase Rice's song, "Forever To Go," is especially appropriate for weddings: it's about a long lasting relationship. "Our song never gets old," he sings. "The honeymoon phase/And butterflies fade/But I'll never let you go." 

"You're Still The One" Shania Twain

"You're Still The One" was inspired by her marriage to former husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange.

"To The Moon And Back" Luke Bryan

"To The Moon And Back" also looks at a long-lasting relationship. "Until our song is over/Til the stars all fade to black/I'm gonna love you/To the ends of the Earth/To the moon and back."

"10,000 Hours" Dan + Shay

Co-writer Jessie Jo Dillon told us about writing the song. "Dan had the title '10,000 Hours'; he liked the way it looked. And we just started talking about the adage of how you’ve mastered something if you’ve done it for 10,000 hours. I was just like, this needs to be a simple song. 'Keep it simple, stupid!'" 

"Joy Of My Life" Chris Stapleton

Stapleton reinterprets the John Fogerty song from 1997.

"Carrying Your Love With Me" George Strait

The 1997 classic will have your guests in their feels.

"Amazed" Lonestar

Since it's debut "Amazed" has been a popular wedding song for many couples.

"Cover Me Up" Morgan Wallen

This cover of Jason Isbell's song tells the story of two lovers reuniting.

"Change Your Name" Chase Bryant

This Chase Bryant song has sweet lyrics fitting for a big day.

"H.O.L.Y." Florida Georgia Line

Florida Georgia Line's "H.O.L.Y" is a love song with inspiration from their musical roots and singing in church.

"God Gave Me You" Blake Shelton

The song recorded by Blake Shelton was written as a love song and as a thank you.

"Bless The Broken Road" Rascal Flatts"Wanted" Hunter Hayes

The 2004 song was penned after a conversation about the roads life takes us on before we find our person.

"Wanted" Hunter Hayes

Written as a love letter, Hunter Hayes "Wanted" helped him find the words he couldn't say.

Nancy Brooks has been working in the country music industry for almost 30 years. She has interviewed pretty much any country star you can think of. In the late 1990s, she started working with Dolly Parton. And yes, Nancy reports that Parton is as sweet as you would think. She loves her life in country music and has been backstage at every CMA Awards show since the late 1990s. Many of her stories are from her one-on-one interviews. She was there at the beginning of the incredible careers of many music superstars today, including Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, and Blake Shelton, and has interviewed them multiple times throughout the years.