Fans may have noticed that Michael Ray has been pretty quiet on social media over the last couple months. He hasn’t shared signs of new music, revealed touring plans or posted any of the other usual content that his followers are used to seeing. However, the country star made his return this week, sharing a major life update, revealing where he’s been during this period of absence and what exciting things he has in store.
The Instagram post, marking his first since the end of December, featured an image with inspirational text that reads, “Reset, Readjust, Restart and Refocus” with the words “Just Start” highlighted in red.
Ray began his message by thanking his fans for giving him the space he needed to reconnect with himself, step away from the fast-paced artist lifestyle and enjoy a slower way of living for a bit.
“I’ve taken the last couple months, pretty much off of social media did a lot of hunting and fishing and just re-centering myself and my life spiritually and mentally,” he explained. “Sometimes in life you go and go and somewhere in that process you start feeling like you lost touch with yourself you lose who you are or why you even started the journey in the first place. You’re told if you take time off you’ll be forgotten but the truth is if you don’t take care of yourself and love yourself you’re no good for anyone else anyway. I want to thank y’all for allowing me to have this time and I want y’all to know I’m back And I have NEVER been better!! I’ve never been more close to God and clear minded.”
This time off has not only impacted his connection to his faith, but also his creativity, which seems to be stronger than ever. He went on to tease that Michael Ray 2.0 is in the works with new music and touring plans on the way.
“I cannot wait to catch y’all up on things and to fill y’all in on what’s to come. I feel more creative and ready then ever to get new music out to y’all and see yall out on the road.”
The Florida native wrapped up his message by once again expressing the utmost gratitude for his family, friends and fans, including his girlfriend Audrina Patridge, who have stuck by him throughout this entire rollercoaster of a journey, promising that big things are on the way.
“To my family and friends you know who you are you inspire me and I’m so grateful for each of you. To @audrinapatridge you’re my rock and you push me daily to be at my best and you helped me find my worth again I love you. To my fans, I’ve missed you and I love yall thank you for letting my music be apart of your life and for coming to shows singing every word and making a boy from Eustis florida dreams come true. We have shared some incredible moments together and NOW it’s about to be even more wild than ever before. God bless you all,” he concluded.
Michael Ray developed a love for music at an early age, which led him to learning to play the guitar with his grandfather at 9 years old. Later on, he came to the realization that he wanted to play music full time and began making trips between the Sunshine state and Nashville to gain knowledge and experience in the industry. This led him to earning a record deal with Warner Music Nashville in 2014 and releasing his self-titled debut album the following year. He has since racked up four No. 1 hits and has a total of five RIAA certifications: Platinum-certified “Think A Little Less,” and Gold-certified songs “Her World or Mine,” “One That Got Away,” “Get To You” and “Kiss You in the Morning.”
It’s unclear where exactly Ray’s career will take him next, but it appears there could be some changes happening behind the scenes with his label, Warner Music Nashville. While there has been no confirmation of him leaving the label, Ray is no longer listed on their artist roster.
New Collaboration With Colt Ford
His first sign of new music in this next musical chapter came on February 21 when Ray was featured on Colt Ford’s “Hell Out Of It.” This uplifting anthem, penned by Cole Taylor, Michael Tyler, Thomas Archer, and Lalo Guzman, is a very special song as it marks the first release from Ford since his life-altering heart attack in 2024.
Both artists came into 2025 with the intention of putting their reenergized spirits on display through new releases, live shows and fresh collaborations. “Hell Out Of it” offers the perfect kickoff to this rejuvenated mindset with its gratitude-filled message that aims to inspire listeners to never take a day of life for granted.
“I loved this song the moment I heard it, and after everything I’ve been through, it really resonates,” Ford says. “I wanted to bring in someone I’m close with, and Michael Ray absolutely nailed it.”
Ray adds, “I’m so excited to be a part of this song with my brother Colt Ford. ‘Hell Out Of It’ is an anthem for the small town, blue collar men and women — the ones that work hard and play harder. It’s about that slice of heaven; a map dot place that to some people, might not look like much, but is raised in them — love the hell out of it.”
Michael Ray currently has only one show scheduled to take place on June 26 at the Hoofbeat Country Festival in Cadott, WI. Based on his recent statement, there will be plenty more announcements to come.
The post Michael Ray Returns To Social Media With Major Life Update appeared first on Country Now.
