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Ashley McBryde Makes Space For Sobriety and Storytelling On Broadway With Redemption Bar

Ashley McBryde is bringing her journey with sobriety to Broadway through Redemption Bar, a bold, one-of-a-kind venue inspired by her personal path to healing. The space is designed to be a supportive, judgment-free zone that celebrates honest storytelling, meaningful connection, and the real stories brought to life in the heart of Nashville.

Starting on August 28th, Redemption Bar will open its doors on the fifth floor of Eric Church’s six-story flagship venue, Chief’s. This establishment has partnered with McBryde to unveil the unique concert venue.

Ashley McBryde; Redemption Bar
Ashley McBryde; Redemption Bar

The bar will offer something different than anywhere else on lower Broadway with its zero-proof cocktail menu that features delicious drinks that each tell their own story as they were inspired by lyrics helped McBryde through her darkest days. While traditional drinks are still available, the spotlight is on the creative, inclusive options that don’t require alcohol to feel celebratory.

“When the opportunity to make my mark on Broadway came, I knew I wanted to create a space that champions what’s made a difference in my life; a space that lifts up the brushed aside, and makes sure everyone feels welcome,” McBryde says.

Back in June, the “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs” singer celebrated another milestone in her sobriety journey as she marked three years without alcohol. Now, she’s making sure anyone on a similar journey can enjoy thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic drinks the same as anyone else would while socializing at a traditional bar.

“As someone who is three years sober, the typical response to ‘do you have anything Non-Alcoholic?’ is either ‘why did you come to a bar if you aren’t gonna drink?’ or ‘you can have soda water and a lime I guess.’ Some of my favorite places to socialize became wildly unaccommodating when the only thing that changed was what was in my cup,” McBryde shared with Rolling Stone. “It was vital that I create a space where notdrinking is the forethought – normalized. You can get alcohol drinks in Redemption too, because everyone is welcome.”

Along with the delicious drink menu, fans can also experience the bar’s stage, which is expected to offer a platform for emerging acts to showcase their passion for storytelling through their original songs.

“Songwriters are the backbone of this community,” she continues, “and it’s important to me to create a place for all the tourists on lower Broadway to experience original music from some of the people who are keeping dreams alive in this town.”

Ashley McBryde; Photo by Katie Kauss
Ashley McBryde; Photo by Katie Kauss

The idea to open the bar inside Chief’s also stems from the friendship that has developed between McBryde and Church. These two artists are both known for forging their own paths through honesty, grit, and a fearless commitment to doing things differently, making it the perfect place to combine their one-of-a-kind creativity where others will hopefully feel inspired to do the same.

“Redemption is a great place to start a conversation,” McBryde beams. “A spot with incredible drinks of all kinds that are as well crafted and thought out as the songs you’re hearing from the vagabonds, drifters, and dreamers that make this music city, Music City.”

Redemption Bar offers a fresh take on the Broadway experience with its inclusive menu and direct focus on the music. Customers can get the first taste of the new bar and venue when it opens its doors on August 28.

The post Ashley McBryde Makes Space For Sobriety and Storytelling On Broadway With Redemption Bar appeared first on Country Now.

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Country Icon Jeannie Seely, Beloved Opry Star, Passes Away at 85

Country music icon and Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely has passed away. She was 85 years old. 

According to a press release, Seely died today, August 1, 2025 at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee. Her death was due to complications from an intestinal infection. 

Jeannie Seely; Photo by Cyndi Hornsby
Jeannie Seely; Photo by Cyndi Hornsby

Seely has been facing medical issues since last fall when she was hospitalized following a visit to her hometown in Pennsylvania for a celebration honoring her career achievements. At this time, “Miss Country Soul” was admitted for acute diverticulitis and dehydration. Additionally, she underwent several back surgeries this spring to repair damaged vertebrae, along with two emergency abdominal operations.

Seely’s medical challenges intensified in December 2024 following the death of her husband of 14 years, Eugene W. Ward.  

Jeannie Seely, Eugene W. Ward; Photo Provided
Jeannie Seely, Eugene W. Ward; Photo Provided

She was a Grand Ole Opry staple. By the time of her final Opry performance on February 22, Seely had taken the stage 5,397 times, more than any other artist in the Opry’s century-long history.  Seely was recognized as the longest-performing female artist still actively working in country music at the time of her passing.

Seely made her final public appearance on March 1, 2025, at the grand reopening of the Legends of Country Music Museum in Nashville’s Music Valley. Her likeness is featured on the building’s exterior, and she is celebrated inside with a refreshed exhibit in her honor.

Remembering Jeannie Seely

Born July 6, 1940 in Titusville, Penn., Seely was raised a farm girl and enjoyed listening to the Grand Ole Opry on her family’s large Philco console radio. She began to sing by age 11 and started to perform on local television at 16. She kept busy in high school, serving as a cheerleader, majorette, and honor student.

When she was 21, she packed her bags and headed West to Los Angeles where she landed a position at a record label and began to write songs. She appeared alongside the then-unknown Glen Campbell on the Hollywood Jamboree TV series. 

Thanks to her songwriting, she landed a record deal and began to tour the West Coast. 

Jeannie Seely; Photo by Chris Hollo, Grand Ole Opry
Jeannie Seely; Photo by Chris Hollo, Grand Ole Opry

In 1964, Seely was honored as the “Most Promising Female Artist” by the Country and Western Academy, which would later become the Academy of Country Music. The following year, inspired by encouragement from her friend Dottie West, who had recorded one of her songs, Seely made the move to Nashville and signed with Monument Records. Seely continued to make her mark on Billboard’s country singles chart for 13 straight years.

She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1967 and famously became the first person to wear a mini skirt on the Opry stage. 

A multi-talented artist and entertainer, Seely appeared in several stage productions, was a radio host, and even published her own book, Pieces Of A Puzzled Mind. 

Jeannie Seely was a member of the Music City Walk of Fame, and recently received CMA’s prestigious Joe Talbot Award on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

“How wonderful to be honored for doing what you love to do and love to share with others. My surprise was obvious since I am rarely at a loss for words, but this caught me totally speechless,” Seely shared following the surprise presentation. “While Country music will always, and must always evolve, we must always remember the Grand Ole Opry is the cornerstone our industry was built on with music that represented the people. I sincerely appreciate CMA and the folks who recognized how much I care, and I’m proud to be in such great company. Thank you.”

Throughout her career, Seely racked up countless accolades, including her achievement as the third female country artist to win a GRAMMY.

The post Country Icon Jeannie Seely, Beloved Opry Star, Passes Away at 85 appeared first on Country Now.

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