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Country Music’s Top 30 Divorce Songs: A Ranking of Heartbreak and Healing

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30 Heartbreaking Country Songs About Divorce, Ranked

When it comes to D-I-V-O-R-C-E, whether you are currently "Goin' Through the Big D" or have already gone through the process of getting your "Name Changed Back," the emotional pain that accompanies this type of breakup is undoubtedly long-lasting.

Luckily, there is an abundance of excellent country music that can assist you in getting through tough times.

Divorce has been a recurring theme in country music for many years, even before it became as prevalent and accepted in society as it is now. Patsy Cline, for instance, addressed this subject in 1955 with her very first single release.

However, there was still a considerable amount of negative perceptions associated with this phenomenon, particularly when it came to women. Loretta Lynn, a renowned artist, boldly addressed this stigma through her song "Rated X," which she released in the same year she made history as the first woman to win CMA Entertainer of the Year.

In recent years, divorce has remained a popular and influential theme among female country music artists. Starting from 2020, Carly Pearce, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, and Kelly Clarkson have all unveiled albums that draw inspiration directly from their personal experiences with divorce. These albums have been widely recognized and have made significant impacts on their careers, earning nominations for prestigious awards such as the Grammys, CMAs, ACMs, and many others.

It is evident that when country music artists express their genuine and specific experiences of heartbreak, their audience responds strongly.

When it comes to songs depicting divorce from a male viewpoint, the subjects (and feelings) explored vary greatly. Heartbreak, anger, and concern for the children caught in the middle are often addressed. However, a prevailing theme is that many of these men are still deeply affected by their ex-partners targeting their finances, causing significant damage.

Continue reading to discover a complete compilation of the most notable breakup songs in country music. Interestingly, the top two artists featured in this list are actually divorced from one another.

30 Heart-wrenching Country Songs about Divorce, Listed in Order

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

The top 50 breakup songs in the country music genre are listed here. These songs are considered some of the best in conveying the emotions and experiences associated

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