Home towns mean a lot in country music. So when Taylor Mill, Kentucky, decided to honor its most famous daughter, Carly Pearce, they pulled out all the stops.
Last week (9/2) the small town in Northern Kentucky held a very special ceremony to recognize the country hit maker’s success. Proclaiming it “Carly Pearce Day,” officials gave her the key to the city, and also posted signs saying “Welcome to Taylor Mill, Hometown of Country Music Star, Carly Pearce.” And according to her, it was pretty much the best day ever.
“Coming home is always so special, but to be embraced by my community in such a big way is overwhelming,” Pearce says in a press release. “This is where my love of Country music began, and I’m so grateful and proud Taylor Mill, Kentucky is my hometown.”
Pearce spent her first 16 years in Taylor Mill, and then convinced her parents to let her leave school for a job singing at Dollywood. Since then, a few big things have happened — including a Platinum-certified breakout Number One with “Every Little Thing” in 2017, more hits like 2019’s double-Platinum “I Hope You’re Happy Now” (with Lee Brice). And just recently, Pearce was inducted into the famous Grand Ole Opry. Her hometown couldn’t let that one go unnoticed.
“We are happy to be able to bring our residents and city officials together with Carly to celebrate the success she has achieved, especially becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry,” said Mayor Daniel Bell. “Carly has always taken pride in being a native of Taylor Mill and we are delighted to be able to honor Carly and let her know that she has made her hometown proud.”
Pearce shared photos of the big day on social media, sporting a smile that was so wide it must have hurt. But meanwhile, she’s still racking up more achievements. Pearce later took the stage in Newport, Kentucky, as part of Lady A’s What a Song Can Do Tour, and later this month (September 17), she’ll release her third album, 29: Written In Stone.
Check out her latest release, a track with tons of Opry undertones called “Dear Miss Loretta” (featuring Patty Loveless).