By Judy Shields
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 05/21/2026 – “I am so fortunate that I still have mine. Just the thought of my mother not being here takes my breath away,” says Makenzie. “She’s my biggest fan, supporter, confidante, and friend. I feel this song speaks to everyone year-round, but the fact that it’s being released during Mother’s Day weekend makes it even more special. I love you, Mom!”
Makenzie discussed writing a sentimental song about her mother, inspired by her mother’s reminder that she won’t be around forever. The song, released near Mother’s Day, is one of Makenzie’s longest tracks at 4.5 minutes and tells a chronological story about the relationship between a child and their mother.
I shared my emotional response to the song, noting how it brought me to tears in a meaningful way, and encouraged listeners to share the song with their mothers year-round.
Makenzie shared her experience of writing a song that deeply touched people, including a woman who cried while watching a video of Makenzie performing it. Makenzie discussed how her husband, who is a talented songwriter, provides feedback on her songwriting and has co-written several of her songs including “18 Wheels,” “You Bring the Beer, I’ll Bring the Noise,” and “Whiskey Kills the Time.”
Makenzie Phipps’ new single, “Won’t Be Here Forever,” is out now. A heartfelt tribute to her mother, Angel. Written by Makenzie in honor of her mom, the song beautifully captures the importance of cherishing the moments and relationships that mean the most to us. “Won’t Be Here Forever” is a touching reminder to appreciate loved ones year-round, though listeners may still want to keep a tissue nearby.
To purchase/stream: hypeddit.com/makenziephipps/
Makenzie discussed her anxiety about playing new songs for her husband Shane, who is an experienced songwriter, but noted his supportive feedback. I suggested we should interview both Makenzie and Shane together after they perform a duet, which Makenzie agreed to write. Makenzie expressed enthusiasm about the idea of an interview and confirmed that Shane would enjoy participating.
Enjoy our Conversation:
Makenzie’s Upcoming Tour Dates
Makenzie discussed her upcoming tour dates in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee, including a return to her hometown for Memorial Day weekend. She announced two significant upcoming events: the Country for a Cause event on June 3rd and the Sunday Morning Country gospel event on the first Sunday of June. Makenzie encouraged fans to follow her on social media platforms and visit her website McKenziePhipps.com for updates on tour dates, new music, and merchandise.
JTV Partnership and Collaboration
Makenzie discussed her partnership with JTV, explaining how it began when friends introduced her to Cheryl at JTV after her wedding. She shared how JTV jewelry enhanced special occasions, including her wedding and blind audition for a show, leading to further collaboration and visits to JTV headquarters. Makenzie recommended visiting jtv.com to explore their extensive collection, particularly the Spotlight section.
Makenzie is also celebrating another special milestone with the launch of her new “Makenzie Phipps’ Spotlight Collection by JTV.“
Makenzie has officially partnered with JTV® (Jewelry Television) following a special connection that began after she was spotted at a Nashville event. Ahead of her wedding, Phipps was surprised with beautiful jewelry pieces from JTV, including a meaningful turquoise cross that was secretly blessed by guests during her wedding celebration. The piece quickly became even more special when Makenzie wore it on stage during her performance on NBC’s The Voice. As part of the new partnership, JTV has launched the “Makenzie Phipps’ Spotlight Collection by JTV,” featuring jewelry personally selected by Makenzie along with additional curated pieces reflecting her unique style, personality, and love for timeless elegance. For more information, visit HERE.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Makenzie,” said JTV Host Kristen Keech. “She is such an incredible vocalist, and when she wore JTV’s turquoise cross during her debut on The Voice, everyone at Jewelry Television was beyond excited! I loved having her visit our JTV Studios, where we had so much fun styling her in some of our signature collections, like Southwest Style, Bella Luce, Off Park, Charles Winston, and more. Her authentic country style is so all-American and pairs beautifully with these collections. We think it’s a great collab that showcases Makenzie’s rising music career and JTV’s signature sparkle.”
Wedding Anniversary Celebration Details
Makenzie shared details about celebrating her one-year wedding anniversary with Shane over a weekend that included dining at Cheesecake Factory and visiting the Nashville Palace for line dancing. Despite her lack of dancing skills, Makenzie enjoyed watching others dance and mentioned they sat and observed the performances. The couple also went on a riverboat dinner tour on Saturday, which Makenzie described as a fun and fancy experience.
Makenzie’s Cat TikTok Updates
Makenzie shared updates about her cats Baby Raven and Jared, mentioning she had to put them in closets before the call due to their tendency to interrupt. She described an incident where Jared knocked over performance stools in the closet, and noted that Jared has gained more TikTok followers than she has. Makenzie encouraged listeners to follow Jared the Cross-Eyed Cat on TikTok, describing him as having crystal blue eyes and wearing a bow tie with a bell.
Makenzie Phipps Show Schedule:
MAY 23 – Fincastle / Bluefield, Va.
MAY 24 – Mountain 2 Island at the Rock House Marina / Pulaski, Va.
MAY 26 – Margaritaville Restaurant Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 27 – Ole Red / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 29 – Margaritaville Restaurant Nashville / Nashville, Tenn.
MAY 31 – Beachaven Vineyards & Winery / Clarksville, Tenn.
JUN 06 – Pearisburg Festival / Pearisburg, Va.
JUN 21 – Beachaven Vineyards & Winery / Clarksville, Tenn.
JUN 27 – Water Ways Amphitheater / Julian, W. Va.
JUN 28 – Mountain 2 Island at the Rock House Marina / Pulaski, Va.
JUL 11 – The Tap Bar & Grill / Jackson, Tenn.
JUL 19 – Beachaven Vineyards & Winery / Clarksville, Tenn.
JUL 24 – Evening Shade / Tazewell, Va.
JUL 25 – Main Street Moments / Tazewell, Va.
For more information, visit makenziephipps.com.
About Makenzie Phipps:
Hailing from Bluefield, Virginia, Makenzie Phipps has captivated audiences across the country, from performing the National Anthem at sporting events to gracing fairs, festivals, and television with her unmistakably authentic country voice. Her renditions of “Amazing Grace” and “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” have garnered nearly four million views. Makenzie has been featured by major outlets, including Forbes, Taste of Country, RFD-TV, People.com, American Songwriter, and Newsmax, and maintains a close connection with her fans through an active social media presence, which is quickly approaching one hundred thousand followers and growing. Phipps has won several industry awards, was a contestant on Season 28 of ‘The Voice’ on Team Snoop Dogg, and she will be releasing new music throughout the year.
For more, visit makenziephipps.com.
About JTV®
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, JTV® (Jewelry Television) is one of the largest jewelry retailers in the United States, with more than 30 years of experience bringing fine jewelry, gemstones, and fashion accessories to millions of customers. Through its omni-channel strategy, JTV connects with audiences via 24/7 live TV programming reaching approximately 60 million U.S. and Canadian households, an industry-leading e-commerce platform (JTV.com), and a dynamic social media presence. Committed to education and exceptional customer service, JTV employs numerous Graduate Gemologists and Accredited Jewelry Professionals.
For more information, visit JTV.com and follow JTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.
