Country music fans had plenty to celebrate as 2025 rolled into 2026, with two of the genre’s brightest stars, Nate Smith and HARDY, making headlines for both their professional and personal milestones. February 2025 saw the release of the much-anticipated single and music video "Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend," a collaboration between Smith and HARDY that quickly became one of the year’s standout stories, according to SMN. Meanwhile, HARDY’s personal life took center stage as he and his wife, Caleigh Ryan, welcomed their first child and prepared to ring in the New Year with a major televised event.
"Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend" wasn’t just another country single—it was a convergence of talent, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. Written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy (better known as HARDY), Ben Johnson, and Hunter Phelps, the track brought together some of Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters. The accompanying video, directed by Spidey Smith, added another layer of star power by featuring the comedic legend Kevin James, alongside digital creators Sophia La Corte and Amanda Mertz.
For Nate Smith, the collaboration with HARDY was a dream come true. "I've been a fan of HARDY for a long time," Smith admitted in an interview highlighted by SMN. "I still remember the first time I heard Rednecker—his authenticity was undeniable. Not only is he one of the most sought-after songwriters in country music, but he's also a massive star in his own right. Having him join me on this song is truly humbling." Smith went on to describe the song as "one of the catchiest songs I've ever been a part of," expressing his excitement to perform it for audiences around the world.
The music video shoot was as memorable as the song itself. Smith recounted the laughter and camaraderie on set, especially with Kevin James stepping into the lead role. "I've gotten to know Kevin recently, and on a whim, I sent him a video (half-jokingly) asking if he'd take the lead role in the video. I never imagined he'd actually say yes! Not only is he a legend in his craft, but he's an even better human being." For Smith, the experience was a testament to the generosity and spirit of the people around him: "The biggest takeaway from this whole experience? The generosity of people like HARDY, Kevin James, and so many others who have allowed me to live my wildest dreams. Dream big, y'all!"
As "Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend" climbed the charts, Smith was already looking ahead. He announced plans to take his Through The Smoke World Tour to Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom, with a stop at the C2C Festival. Adding to the excitement, Smith was also set to join Jason Aldean’s Full Throttle Tour in the summer of 2025, ensuring that fans across the globe would have the chance to see his energetic performances live.
But while Smith’s star continued to rise, HARDY was preparing for a different kind of spotlight. On January 1, 2026, the country rocker was set to co-host and perform at New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, one of the year’s most anticipated music events. According to TV Insider, HARDY’s New Year’s Eve kiss would go to his wife, Caleigh Ryan—a fitting moment for a couple whose love story has become almost as well-known as HARDY’s music.
HARDY and Caleigh Ryan’s relationship is a modern Nashville romance, built on serendipity and shared ambition. The two first connected in 2018, when HARDY, then touring with Florida Georgia Line, spotted Ryan on his Instagram "For You" page. As HARDY told People, "We kept in contact until I had a show nearby her school and told her I’d love to meet her there." Their first in-person meeting took place at a local venue near the University of Mississippi campus, where Ryan was studying marketing and corporate relations. "I saw him come through the door, and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ I was just chugging my drink—I was so nervous," Ryan recalled to People.
Their connection was instant, and by April 2018, they were officially a couple. From the start, marriage was on their minds. "Once we met each other, there really was no one else," Ryan said. "We never entertained anyone else. It was just so easy." Their relationship blossomed, and in 2021, HARDY proposed at the same venue where they first met. A year later, they tied the knot, celebrating with family and friends in true country style.
Ryan, a San Diego native and marketing coordinator for Graduate Hotels, has been more than just a supportive partner—she’s also been HARDY’s muse. Several of his songs, including "Six Feet Under" and "i in country," were inspired by their relationship, adding a personal touch to his growing discography.
2025 brought a new chapter for the couple, as they welcomed their daughter, Rosie, in March. The arrival of their first child was a joyous occasion, and Ryan has shared glimpses of their parenting journey on social media. However, the couple has made it clear that they intend to keep Rosie’s life as private as possible, especially as she grows older. As HARDY explained to Country Now, they plan to take an "old school" approach to parenting. "[It’s easy] to give a kid an iPad. We are prepared to not let that happen," he said, emphasizing the importance of limiting screen time and encouraging more traditional forms of play and interaction.
Their commitment to family values and authenticity has resonated with fans, many of whom see themselves reflected in the couple’s story. Ryan has spoken publicly about HARDY’s caring and thoughtful nature, telling People, "[HARDY] is very caring and very thoughtful and a very loving person. A lot of people don’t get to see that. It just makes it feel that much more special to me that I get to share those moments and sides of his personality with him."
As 2026 begins, both Nate Smith and HARDY find themselves at the forefront of country music, not just for their chart-topping hits but for the genuine connections they foster—with each other, their collaborators, and their fans. Whether it’s the infectious energy of "Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend" echoing through concert halls or the quiet, steadfast love between HARDY and Caleigh Ryan, these stories remind us that country music’s greatest strength lies in its ability to capture real life—messy, joyful, and always worth singing about.
