Updated: May 2, 2026
Kacey Musgraves, the Grammy-winning country star known for her honest lyrics and golden-hour vibes, captured hearts with her marriage to fellow musician Ruston Kelly. Though their love story ended in 2020, it left a lasting mark on her music and fans’ memories. This post dives into who Ruston Kelly is, their whirlwind romance, the divorce, and what they’ve achieved since.
Table of Contents
Who Is Ruston Kelly? A Talented Musician with a Unique Past
Ruston Kelly isn’t just “Kacey Musgraves’ ex-husband”—he’s a gifted singer-songwriter in his own right. Born on July 31, 1988, in Georgetown, South Carolina, he grew up in a musical family. As a child, he was an Olympic-level figure skater, starting the sport at age 10 and showing serious competitive promise before music took center stage.
Kelly has released several projects, including his 2018 debut album Dying Star. He’s written songs for artists like Tim McGraw and built a loyal following in the Americana and country scenes. Fans often praise his raw, emotional style and honest storytelling.
- Early Life Highlights: Musical family roots + competitive figure skating background
- Career Breakthrough: Debut EP Halloween (2017) and album Dying Star (2018)
- Songwriting Credits: Work with major country artists
- Personal Journey: Open about struggles with addiction and personal growth
His vulnerability has resonated deeply, much like Kacey’s own approach to songwriting.
How Kacey Musgraves and Ruston Kelly Met and Fell in Love
Their meet-cute feels straight out of a country song. The pair first connected in March 2016 at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café during a songwriters’ showcase. A songwriting session soon followed, and sparks flew quickly. They got engaged on Christmas Eve 2016 and tied the knot on October 14, 2017, in an intimate Tennessee ceremony.
Their relationship inspired some of Kacey’s most beloved work. Her 2018 album Golden Hour—which earned Album of the Year at the Grammys—drew heavily from the joy and love she felt during this period. Songs like “Butterflies” and “Happy & Sad” captured that dreamy, honeymoon-phase glow.
Key Moments in Their Relationship:
- Fast-paced courtship after meeting at Bluebird Café
- Engagement on December 24, 2016
- Beautiful 2017 wedding in Tennessee
- Mutual creative support in Nashville’s music scene
For a time, they seemed like the perfect creative power couple.
The Divorce: What Really Happened
In July 2020, Kacey and Ruston announced their separation after less than three years of marriage. They filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, and it was finalized in September 2020. Both described the decision as mutual and painful after trying their best.
Kacey later shared that the marriage “simply didn’t work out” and that she thrives best independently. Her follow-up album Star-Crossed explored the heartbreak and emotional journey of the split with characteristic grace and honesty. Ruston has also reflected on the experience in his music, framing later work as self-growth rather than direct commentary on the relationship.
The couple handled the split with maturity and respect, which fans appreciated in an era of messy celebrity breakups.
Life After the Divorce: Careers and Personal Growth
Both artists have flourished individually since 2020. Kacey continued evolving her sound, exploring new genres while staying true to her roots. She had a notable relationship with poet Cole Schafer from 2021 to 2023 and has embraced personal passions like horseback riding.
Ruston Kelly has released new music focused on healing and self-discovery. His openness about addiction recovery and personal challenges has inspired many listeners.
Post-Divorce Highlights:
- Kacey: Continued Grammy success and creative experimentation
- Ruston: New albums emphasizing growth and resilience
- Both: Maintained professional respect and focused on individual artistry
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ruston Samuel Kelly |
| Birth Date | July 31, 1988 |
| Marriage Duration | 2017–2020 (filed July 2020, finalized Sept) |
| How They Met | Bluebird Café, Nashville (March 2016) |
| Inspired Album | Golden Hour (2018) |
| Current Status | Both single and focused on music/careers |
Conclusion
The story of Kacey Musgraves and her ex-husband Ruston Kelly reminds us that even beautiful love stories can have chapters that end. Their time together produced incredible art that touched millions, and both have grown stronger on their own paths. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, their journey highlights resilience, creativity, and the courage to evolve.
What’s your favorite Kacey Musgraves song from the Golden Hour era? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear!
This post is for informational and entertainment purposes based on publicly available information as of May 2026.