Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Pearce, known for her song “Should’ve Known Better,” and fellow country star Michael Ray finalized their divorce in 2020.
Carly Pearce says she knew almost immediately that her marriage to Michael Ray was a mistake.
The Should’ve Known Better singer opened up about her short-lived relationship with fellow country artist Ray during an appearance on Bunnie XO’s podcast Dumb Blonde. Pearce admitted their connection was fueled more by physical attraction than genuine compatibility.
“I thought he was so cute. I’d heard he was the nicest guy in the world, so I invited him to my No. 1 party for ‘Every Little Thing,’” Pearce recalled. “Looking back, it was hot and heavy lust — it wasn’t love. It was passion.”
Pearce explained that while she believed she was marrying for the right reasons, the reality was different. “When I married him, it was because I wanted it to last. But we didn’t have real conversations, and we didn’t really know each other. We were living this life that wasn’t really reality,” she said.
The Grammy-winning star admitted she realized on her wedding night that something wasn’t right. “I knew the night I got married that I shouldn’t have,” she shared. “Honestly, I think the best thing that happened was COVID because it gave me the privacy to deal with it. I was embarrassed, I felt shame, and I was heartbroken.”
Pearce filed for divorce in 2020, just eight months after tying the knot. “It wasn’t what I signed up for. It wasn’t the marriage I deserved,” she said. “So much happened in those months that made it clear to me it just wasn’t a real marriage.”
The singer also addressed rumors of infidelity during the relationship. “People have their opinions, and at first it was so hard because I wanted to defend myself. But at the end of the day, my friends know, my parents know, and God knows — and that’s enough,” she explained.
Despite the pain of that chapter, Pearce says she’s grateful for what she learned from the experience. “I’m in the happiest season of my life now,” she told Bunnie XO. “If he ever sees this, thank you — you taught me how strong I am. You put me through things that made me better. I don’t wish him harm. I’m just so glad I’m not in that anymore.”
Ray’s representatives did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
