Finney was a local legend who also performed on some of country music’s most luminous stages. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
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Steel Guitarist Pete Finney Dead at 70
Month: February 2026
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Steel Guitarist Pete Finney Dead at 70
Finney was a local legend who also performed on some of country music’s most luminous stages. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
![<a href="https://theboot.com/ixp/204/p/lee-brice-country-nowadays-lyrics/" target="_blank">Why Lee Brice, ‘Country Nowadays’ Lyrics Caused Division [LISTEN]</a>](https://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2026/02/attachment-lee-brice-country-nowadays.jpg?format=natural)
You only need to look at the comments in a social media post promoting Lee Brice’s new song “Country Nowadays” to see that not everyone embraced it. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
You only need to look at the comments in a social media post promoting Lee Brice’s new song “Country Nowadays” to see that not everyone embraced it. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Parker McCollum turned a family’s Christmas surprise into an unforgettable night, after a heartfelt video caught his attention just days after the holiday.
Lisa Peña often shares family moments on her TikTok account, while also using the platform to raise awareness for her daughter Isla’s ultra-rare gene disorder that causes brain atrophy. She explained to Country Now that the 17-year-old was diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability at age two. Then four years ago, thanks to advances in genetic testing, they learned that she had a rare gene disorder that causes progressive brain atrophy and sudden loss of mobility.
Even though this changed their entire world overnight, they have refused to let Isla’s condition stop them from living life to the fullest.
“We were suddenly facing a life-limiting condition we could never have prepared for. As a family, we realized we had two choices, pity or party. We chose party. We chose music, laughter, dancing, and joy. We decided that however much time we’re gifted, we will have as much fun as possible together.”
That mindset was especially present on December 25, 2025, when Lisa and her husband decided to do something very special for their kids. She posted a video capturing the moment she surprised their three children with the news that they would be attending a Parker McCollum concert in the new year at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. Joy quickly filled the room as hugs were shared, smiles stretched ear to ear, and screams of excitement echoed through the house.
@drlisapena About Christmas morning… @parkermccollum ♬ original sound – Lisa Peña, PharmD
Since McCollum’s music serves as the soundtrack to their lives, choosing him as the first artist they would see together in concert was an easy decision. Plus, he just so happened to be performing in a venue close to their home, making the travel much more feasible for their daughter.
Their connection to the Texas native began years earlier, when Lisa and her husband first started listening to his catalog, long before their children became fans themselves.
“Over time, his songs slowly wove themselves into our family life. They were the soundtrack of birthday parties, summer barbecues, pool days and moments that became our story,” Lisa shared. “His music didn’t just fill the house, it held our memories.”
Now that he has become such a big part of their lives, it only made sense to experience his storytelling live in concert. About a month later, when they arrived in the parking lot of the venue, Lisa revealed that their Christmas gift was about to become even more special.
“I got a Facebook message from Parker McCollum’s tour manager,” she said in another video, capturing her sharing the news with her kids. “He saw our Christmas video, said Parker saw it, and that he wanted to make sure to say hi to you guys.”
Reflecting on that moment, Lisa said, “I wasn’t managing appointments or anticipating challenges. I was just a mom and a wife, watching the people she loves most react to something unforgettable.”
@drlisapena My daddy taught me the power of quiet kindness. He would say, “Give, but don’t tell anyone.” So I learned to let love move silently. No applause and no proof needed because the truest good is done when no one is watching. A few nights ago we were blessed to experience this for ourselves. No cameras. No photo op. No PR move. Just a singer and songwriter loving his fans in a big way. Parker Mccollum’s music has become part of the soundtrack of our family’s life. So when choosing an artist for our first ever concert to attend as a family, the choice was easy. Never did we anticipate it would lead to a one of kind VIP experience that would leave us speechless. Parker, thank you. Isla’s condition takes from her brain, but it’s kindness like yours that keeps her heart so full. We will never forget the genuine attention and care you showed our family. The Peña’s are fans forever. ***watch until the very end. You won’t regret it❤️ #countrymusic #parkermccollum #nalcngenemutation @parkermccollum ♬ original sound – Lisa Peña, PharmD
Once they arrived, the family was treated to a VIP experience, with McCollum’s team going above and beyond by setting them up in a private dressing room stocked with snacks, drinks, and merchandise. Lisa admits that their efforts to ensure they had everything they needed to accommodate their family was something that they will remember forever.
“As a mother to a child with severe disabilities, I’m deeply protective of how my daughter is seen and treated. The last thing I ever want is for her story to be reduced to pity or used for publicity,” she explained. “That fear disappeared almost instantly. Parker’s team was exceptional, thoughtful, kind, and incredibly respectful in the way they handled accessibility and accommodations. Their joy felt genuine, not performative. There were no strings attached.”
Then came the moment they had all been waiting for, meeting Parker McCollum himself. The country star greeted each family member with a handshake before sitting down with them for nearly 20 minutes, talking about everything from football and music to life and becoming a father. He posed for photos, signed merchandise, and made each child feel seen, according to Lisa.
“Parker himself was warm and unhurried. He took his time with us. We found easy points of connection like our sons sharing the same name (Major), a mutual respect for the Houston Texans, and our love for hunting and fishing. He spoke to each of our kids, not around them. He made space for all of us.”
Lisa explained that he also took the time to ask Isla about her favorite song of his, which she told him was “Hope That I’m Enough.” She shared that the lyrics, “I love that I am who you love” perfectly sums up how the family feels about their daughter.
During the show, McCollum made sure the night ended with one more unforgettable moment. From the stage, he gave the entire family a special shoutout as he dedicated his performance of “Hope That I’m Enough” to Isla.
“I know my girl Isla is out there tonight,” he told the packed audience that night. “I wrote this song for my wife Hallie Ray Light McCollum, but I’d like to dedicate this song to Isla tonight who is here with her family. It’s called “Hope That I’m Enough.”
The proud mom revealed that the minute her daughter heard her name being mentioned through the speakers, she recognized it and asked for help to stand up so she could fully experience the moment.
“Until that night, the only moment she has ever asked to stand at an event is when the national anthem plays before each of her daddy’s football games. Now she has added another to her list: “when Parker sing me song.”
That night, a song that already meant so much to their family became part of their story forever. And once again, Parker McCollum’s music brought joy and connection to their family, thus deepening their love for the artist.
The post Parker McCollum Creates Lifelong Memory For Young Fan With Ultra-Rare Gene Disorder And Her Family appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
“When I was at the Grammys the other night I saw a guy get up and talk about Jesus and then I saw Bad Bunny get up there and talk like Jesus,” Crockett wrote. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
“When I was at the Grammys the other night I saw a guy get up and talk about Jesus and then I saw Bad Bunny get up there and talk like Jesus,” Crockett wrote. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
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Well, as promised, Turning Point USA delivered an “alternative” Super Bowl halftime show for folks who just couldn’t stomach the sight of a performer singing in a language other than English.
And as expected, very few people tuned in relative to the 135.4 million viewers who watched Bad Bunny’s, making it the most-watched halftime show in Super Bowl history.
The Turning Point show was pre-recorded, and it seemed to have a small studio audience of about 100 people or so.
In fact, the audience was so small that even Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk was not in attendance.
Across social media, viewers expressed their surprise at the fact that Erika was not in attendance.
Now, Erika has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share her thoughts on the show — but she still didn’t explain why she wasn’t in the audience.
“The @TPUSA All-American Halftime Show was so incredible,” she wrote (via The Sun).
“Charlie would’ve absolutely loved it. Thank you to the millions that tuned in,” Erika continued, adding:
“I’m so proud of our entire team, staff, and the artists who believed in the vision and mission @KidRock @brantleygilbert @leebrice @GabbyBarrett_.
“It’s okay to love Jesus and your country,” she concluded.
We’re starting to think Erika didn’t even watch the livestream.
Otherwise, she would know that her tribute to Jesus and America started with a 55-year-old rapping about his fondness for “topless dancers” and “crackheads.”
Several rightwing pundits have attempted to make sense of the fact that the Turning Point concert appears to have tanked.
In many cases, they’ve resorted to flat-out lying.
“Reports indicate X usage got so high during the TPUSA All-American Halftime Show, the platform was down for brief moments,” conservative commentator Eric Daugherty wrote on X.
“We broke the internet! WE RUN THE CULTURE NOW!” he continued.
But as many users pointed out, the All-American Halftime Show wasn’t even available to stream on X.
“False. TPUSA said in a statement it would not be shown on X due to licensing issues,” reads a community note on Daugherty’s tweet.
We can see why Team Turning Point might be feeling a bit embarrassed this week. After all, Erika predicted that the All-American Halftime Show would draw a “larger audience” than Bad Bunny.
To be fair, she was only off by about 129 million viewers.
Yeah, it’s tough to compete with the Super Bowl — which is why pretty much every other media figure on the planet has the sense not to try.
Erika Kirk Breaks Silence After Failing to Attend Turning Point USA Super Bowl Halftime … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
Jessie James Decker’s youngest son, Denver, rang in a major milestone with an adorable Toy Story–themed celebration in honor of his second birthday.
The singer and entrepreneur took to social media to share snapshots from Denver’s “Two Infinity and Beyond” birthday party, which was filled with playful Toy Story details from top to bottom. The festive setup featured themed decorations, cupcakes, and plenty of character-inspired touches, bringing the beloved Pixar film to life for the special occasion.
Decker and her husband, former NFL wide receiver Eric Decker, fully embraced the theme alongside their children, as the entire family sported Toy Story–themed shirts. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, and other familiar characters were all on full display as they celebrated their little guy’s big day together.
“Denver’s 2!!!! Happy birthday to our beautiful boy Denver Calloway Decker aka Nuggie🥳🎈🎂 You are the sunshine of our lives☀️☀️☀️,” Decker captioned the post.
In addition to party highlights, Decker also shared a heartfelt look back at Denver’s earliest days. The collection included sweet memories from his birth, the moment he met his older siblings for the first time, and snapshots from his first days at home as a newborn.
Decker is also mom to Forrest, 7, Eric Jr., 10, and Vivianne, 11, and she frequently gives fans a glimpse into family life through social media. From family vacations and sporting events to everyday moments at home, the proud mom often highlights the close bond she shares with her children.
On January 1, Decker kicked off the new year with a post that quickly turned heads, featuring Forrest, Eric Jr., and Vivianne in a sporty photo that showed off their athletic builds, including visible abs on each of the kids.
“2026 here we come baby!! Here’s to fresh starts, full hearts, happy babies and beautiful memories to come,” she captioned the post. “My resolution is always health, happiness, and time well spent with the people who matter the most!!!”
Many fans were quick to point out their abs in the comments.
Always one to put family first, the singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur has also been open about the more challenging moments of motherhood. She recently opened up about Forrest’s health struggles in an exclusive interview with People, where she detailed his experience with asthma.
After several trips to the emergency room due to visible breathing difficulties, Forrest was diagnosed with asthma in January of 2021.
“I remember being so scared because you read stories of kids having asthma attacks and the outcomes not being great,” Jessie admitted to the publication. “I was freaking out because I didn’t really know much about it.”
Thankfully, the Decker family has his symptoms fully under control.
“Forrest knows that everybody has something, and asthma is just his thing,” Jessie shared. “Life is what you make of it, and we want to make the best of this and try and raise awareness so people don’t feel so alone.”
Fans can keep up with the Decker family on Instagram.
The post Jessie James Decker Throws Adorable Toy Story–Themed Birthday Bash for Son Denver appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Reading Time: 4 minutes
We don’t know how Megyn Kelly’s going to defend this. But she’ll surely find a way.
Lawmakers got a look at unreleased, unredacted copies of the Epstein Files, featuring bone-chilling emails as well as witness statements, victim statements, and investigative reports.
According to these lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, some very powerful men — including those in government — are incriminated and could be prosecuted based upon the contents of the documents.
They also reveal how appallingly young some of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims were — sharing more than the public already knew. But will justice prevail?
The deeper into the Epstein files that lawmakers delve, the worse that it gets
On Monday, February 9, some lawmakers were permitted to begin reviewing the millions of Epstein-related documents.
These include documents that have not been released to the public, despite the law mandating their release. Additionally, these files are unredacted.
Also on Monday, Representative Thomas Massie and Representative Ro Khanna held a press conference to discuss their initial review of these documents.
Massie is a Republican. Khanna is a Democrat. In a better world, exposing Epstein’s co-conspirators in full would be an uncontroversial, bipartisan issue.
In an even better world, Epstein and his associates would never have felt untouchable enough to commit their crimes in the first place.
“The core issue is that they’re not complying with … my law, because these were scrubbed back in March by Donald Trump’s FBI,” Khanna pointed out.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law passed in July and signed by Donald Trump, required the release of all of the appropriate documents.
Trump’s administration has simply refused to comply. The man himself has repeatedly complained that the American people haven’t let go of these horrible crimes.
Massie shared that an individual is “pretty high up in a foreign government” is among those in the files. (It is unclear if he meant Peter Mandelson, who has resigned in disgrace as Keir Starmer’s Chief of Staff, or yet another individual)
Additionally, Massie urged Trump’s DOJ to “correct their mistakes.” Mistakes is a generous term.
The DOJ has indicated that there won’t be prosecutions based upon the documents
Khanna and Massie revealed that at least six men are likely incriminated in the files.
To be clear, they mean that in legal terms — men who could and should be prosecuted based upon the contents of the files, rather than the men who had the poor taste to associate with Epstein at all, to cheat on their wives, etc.
Another lawmaker, Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin (D), shared that he felt shaken by previously unreported young victims mentioned in the Epstein files.
“You read through these files, and you read about 15-year-old girls, 14-year-old girls, 10-year-old girls,” he told the press.
He added: “I saw a mention of a nine-year-old girl today. I mean, this is just preposterous and scandalous.”
At least one (publicly released) apparent mention of a 9-year-old appears to have been a formatting error.
As anyone who has spent time copy-pasting text on the internet can attest, some aspects of formatting get lost in translation. The same is true when converting thousands upon thousands of emails into PDF.
(Also, Epstein and his associates appear to have a propensity for an extremely high typos-to-text ratio)
It is unclear if Raskin is referring to that likely formatting error, or to another mention of a 9-year-old.
We shouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief if this particular woman was 19 at the time, however. Epstein and his associates were evil men who used their power to turn women and girls into victims. Being an adult would not make her immune to this.
The only hope for justice will be electing officials who care about right and wrong, and never repeating 2024
Khanna and Massie’s pushback has achieved some results already.
Todd Blanche, Trump’s personal attorney who is now Deputy Attorney General (because why hide corruption if you don’t have to) has unredacted one document that the lawmakers highlighted.
“We have just unredacted all non-victim names from this document,” Blanche tweeted.
He then claimed without evidence: “The DOJ is committed to transparency.”
It is clear that the continuing pressure from the public and from politicians is at least partially working. But if we want answers, we’ll need to keep it up.
And if we want justice, we’ll need to elect people into power who actually care about right and wrong.
Jeffrey Epstein Documents Incriminate Government Officials, Identify Even Younger Child … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip