Ashley McBryde's Surprising Family Ties to Michigan

Country star Ashley McBryde opened for Eric Church last week at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and it's safe to say the Mitten State holds a special place in her heart.

Ashley was born and raised in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, but spent a lot of time in Michigan growing up.

Ashley McBryde opens for Eric Church at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, on August 14, 2026. (Photo via JR, Townsquare Media Lansing)

Ashley McBryde Has Deep Family Ties to Michigan

"My mom's from Flint," she told the thousands who'd gathered at Soaring Eagle early enough to enjoy the opener. "I've got family in Fenton, Gaines, Lansing — all over."

In fact, the Grand Ole Opry star's musical journey was fueled early on by some impromptu Michigan performances.

Some of Ashley McBryde's Earliest Performances Were in Michigan

"I'd take my guitar out at the family reunion in Linden," Ashley told the crowd at Soaring Eagle.

I got the chance to visit with Ashley McBryde in Nashville earlier this year at Country Radio Seminar and we discussed her Flint connections even further.

Ashley McBryde Spent Her Summers in Flint

"Mom grew up on Barrie Avenue, and my aunt still lives two streets over," she told me. "We spent all summer there with my grandma — all of my cousins did."

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Ashley and I are a few years apart, but I also have fond memories of spending summers with my grandma in Michigan. My grandparents lived in Swartz Creek, and my brother and I would come up from Texas every summer for a few weeks to visit them. Words can't do justice to describe the sheer joy of the memories of those days.

I get it, Ashley.

Ashley McBryde Through the Years [PHOTOS]

Take a look back at some of the most memorable moments from Ashley McBryde's impressive country music career.

PHOTOS: Ashley McBryde Becomes the Newest Member of the Grand Ole Opry

Ashley McBryde was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in a ceremony that took place during the live show on Saturday night (Dec. 11) in Nashville. Eric Church and Terri Clark were on hand for the festivities, which were held two months after being unexpectedly invited by Garth Brooks during a live television appearance.