10 Surprising Facts About Maren Morris, Country Music’s Most Outspoken Star

Country Music Star Maren Morris has a sweet treat for fans with the release of her fourth studio album, Dreamsicle. The My Church singer calls the 14-track LP a chronicle of the “aftermath of loosening my grip on my personal and professional life.”

In recent years, Morris, 35, has finalized her divorce from Ryan Hurd, come out as bisexual and discussed her desire to step back from the “toxic” parts of country music’s culture — claiming the industry is hostile toward diversity.

Here are 10 things you don’t know about the outspoken Texan.

1. She was named after actress Maren Jensen, who played Lieutenant Athena in the 1970s sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica.

2. Maren worked as a desk clerk and guest coordinator at her parents’ hair salon in the Lone Star State.

3. Her father encouraged her to pursue a music career after hearing her sing karaoke.

4. As a teenage jock, she played soccer at James Bowie High School.

5. At 15, Maren released her debut album, Walk On, which her parents paid to record and release by selling furniture from the family home.

6. She shares one child with ex-hubby Hurd, son Hayes, who arrived in March 2020 via an emergency C-section after an excruciating 30 hours of labor.

7. The fledgling performer was rejected at auditions for American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Voice and Nashville Star.

8. She dropped out of the University of North Texas after one semester.

9. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking and playing tennis.

10. She has most recently dated reality star Justin Assada, who appeared on Perfect Match and Surviving Paradise.