Carly Pearce reveals wedding night regret

Country singer Carly Pearce has opened up about her short-lived marriage to fellow musician Michael Ray. The couple, who married in October 2019, saw their union end when Pearce filed for divorce just eight months later in June 2020.

During a recent podcast appearance, Pearce disclosed that she recognized the marriage as a mistake as early as her wedding night. She described her ex-partner as having a "Jekyll and Hyde" persona that she hadn't fully seen before the ceremony.

Pearce stated that she is ultimately grateful for the brief marriage, emphasizing how it revealed her inner strength. She realized the relationship was not what she deserved and chose to end it, prioritizing her well-being over societal expectations or religious concerns.

Questioning Ray's intentions for marrying her, Pearce admitted she will never know his motivations. To process the experience, she wrote six emotionally charged songs for her 2021 album '29', which resonated with many listeners.

Reflecting further, Pearce mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred during their marriage, inadvertently provided her with the private space needed to navigate the divorce. She indicated that without the pandemic, she might have remained in the marriage longer.

Pearce is currently in a relationship with Jordan Karcher, with whom she debuted her romance on Instagram in July 2025. The couple recently celebrated their first anniversary on April 30, 2026.