Carly Pearce Opens Up About Choosing Life Without Children, Calls First Marriage a ‘Start-Up’

Country music artist Carly Pearce has publicly stated she does not plan to have children, addressing the topic this week during a TikTok exchange with a fan. The 36-year-old singer emphasized that her life goals have always centered on pursuing her music career and maintaining a touring lifestyle rather than parenthood.

In her response, Pearce acknowledged feeling societal pressure around motherhood while advocating for acceptance of people who choose not to have kids. She noted that while she loves children and enjoys her role as an aunt, building a family was never part of her personal vision for life.

Regarding marriage, Pearce indicated she remains open to walking down the aisle again despite her 2020 divorce from singer Michael Ray. The couple married in October 2019 but separated less than a year later, with Pearce filing for divorce in June 2020 on grounds of irreconcilable differences, which was finalized that September.

Pearce characterized her previous marriage as a “start-up marriage,” suggesting she views the experience as foundational rather than permanent. She stated her determination to pursue marriage again without allowing her past relationship to diminish her faith in future commitment.

Currently, Pearce is in a relationship with entrepreneur Jordan Karcher, founder of Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. The couple made their relationship public on Instagram in July 2025.