Who are Ashley McBryde’s parents? All about Country star’s family

Popular country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde's musical journey began at a young age. Initially, participating in various talent competitions and opening for renowned artists, McBryde finally made her breakthrough in 2017 after the success of her single "A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega," which catapulted her to national fame.

Following that, she made a record deal with Warner Music Nashville, through which she recently released the studio version of the famous song "Rattlesnake Preacher," which was mostly heard at her live shows.

McBryde, who hosted the 2025 CMA Fest, by recording the studio version of "Rattlesnake Preacher," also honored his late friend and collaborator, Randall Clay, as the song was originally written by him.

When it comes to Ashley McBryde's musical inspirations, her parents, William McBryde and Martha Wilkins, play a significant role. Growing up on a farm in Arkansas and in a family where everyone loved music, who sang in church, Ashley was always surrounded by musical instruments.

While she decided at the age of five that she wanted to become a country music singer, her father, William, bought her a guitar when she turned nine. Throughout the years, her mother Martha's strength and gentleness have been a crucial source of inspiration for Ashley McBryde. Interestingly, a bunch of Ashley's songs were inspired by her parents, including "Bible and A .44," "Learned To Lie," and "Light On In The Kitchen."

The 41-year-old Ashley McBryde is the youngest child of William and Martha. She has five other siblings. According to Ashley, her parents ended up in a divorce when she was 17. They also had a troubled relationship. Despite their imperfections as individuals, Ashley claimed in a 2023 interview with Taste of Country that she is proud of the way they raised her.

While Ashley McBryde's mother, Martha, was someone who took care of the children and the house until they were divorced, her father, William, was a doctor and pastor. However, Ashley has always been closer to Martha since she was a young child. Not only that, her mother, according to Ashley, always believed in her dream of becoming a country singer.

Ashley McBryde opens up about her relationship with her parents

In a 2018 interview with Billboard, Ashley opened up about her relationship with her father. While talking about her father, William, she said:

"My father is terminally ill, but he’s still with us. He was a preacher when I was growing up, and I don’t ever remember not seeing a gun or a Bible. He raised us that way — as mean as that sounds, and as sweet as that sounds, too."

While talking to About You regarding her mother, Martha, whom she called loving and strong, Ashley said:

"Mom could fix a sink, mow the yard, patch up booboos, and feed the cows with you. She’s as tender as a kiss. Always wants to give somebody a hug and always looking to help."

Country singer McBryde pays tribute to her late old friend who wrote Rattlesnake Preacher

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Recording the studio version of the immensely popular "Rattlesnake Preacher" was not only another musical decision for Ashley, but it was a way of honoring her late old friend, Randall Clay, who wrote the song. According to ABC Audio, MCBryde, regarding Randall, said:

"I’ve written nearly every song on all my records, so when I cut one I didn’t write, it means something. Randall was part of a group of songwriters that helped me write some of the most formative songs of my career, and his songs will always find a home with me to continue his legacy."

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