By Judy Shields
Hollywood, California (The Hollywood Times) 05/29/2026 – “Finding out that your person hasn’t been as faithful as they claimed to be is NOT fun, I’ve been there, BUT being able to really call them out on their stuff & have the last word in the breakup is the redeeming part. That’s what this song is all about!” Paige King Johnson
Country artist Paige King Johnson is entering one of the most meaningful seasons of her life, both personally and professionally. The Opry alum and 9-time Carolina Country Music Award winner will release her new single, “It Ain’t Me,” on May 29, while also sharing the heartfelt news that she and her husband, Griffin, are expecting their first child this fall.
Written by Paige King Johnson alongside Mason Douglas and Todd Pachey, “It Ain’t Me” reflects the same emotional clarity and storytelling strength that have defined Paige’s rising career. The track continues her tradition of blending classic country influences with a modern, cinematic edge, offering listeners a deeply resonant narrative delivered with conviction and authenticity.
“We wrote ‘It Ain’t Me’ on the same day as “I Get Old Too.” After finishing such a heartfelt song, we wanted something to lighten the mood a little bit. This song really fell out in no time at all – we just had fun & leaned into early days of Carrie & Miranda vibes when writing it. It’s full of all the sass that, I believe, female anthems should have as far as the writing goes, but we went full on 90’s honky-tonk with the production when we took it into the studio.”
Nashville Studio Recording Plans
Paige discussed recording a song in a Nashville studio with producer Bill McDermott, aiming for a 90s honky-tonk sound with particular focus on the piano arrangements. She explained that the band experimented with a unique half-time feel during the instrumental section after the second chorus. Paige provided instructions for fans to pre-save the song through her Instagram bio, with the release scheduled for May 29th across all major music platforms.
Paige’s Wedding Anniversary Celebration
Paige discussed her recent fourth wedding anniversary on April 23rd. She also shared that she and her husband, who is a meat and potatoes kind of person, celebrated by having a nice meal at a steakhouse to relax and disconnect from their busy lives. When asked about favorite foods, Paige mentioned that her husband prefers ribeye steak while she enjoys either steak or pasta.
Paige’s Tour Schedule Planning
We discussed her busy summer and early fall tour schedule, which includes visiting new states like Colorado and Wyoming for the first time. She manages her own booking and handles approximately 150-170 shows annually, taking the schedule one weekend at a time to avoid overwhelming herself. Paige confirmed she plans to continue touring until 36 weeks of pregnancy, which aligns with airline policies.
Got To Be NC Musical Ambassador Experience
I asked about her experience as a musical ambassador for Got To Be NC, a marketing segment for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, where she spent 18 months traveling across the state to meet farmers, visit schools, and raise awareness about agriculture and the importance of music and arts. She explained that while the role involved some fundraising activities, it was primarily focused on awareness rather than direct fundraising. When asked about an upcoming album, Paige indicated she was unsure about the timing of any new music release.
Songwriting and Future Releases
She talked about her recent songwriting activities, mentioning that she has been writing some of her favorite material and working with other artists on their projects. Paige expressed uncertainty about whether there would be an EP or a bigger album, stating it was an interesting time to figure out what works best. I commented that having a baby might inspire new songwriting, particularly lullabies, which Paige agreed would likely happen given her current emotional state.
Enjoy our conversation here:
Personal Announcement: Pregnancy Plans
Paige announced that she and her partner are expecting their first baby, with the pregnancy being a surprise for their anniversary. They plan to keep the news private and are seeking advice from their mothers about parenting.
The announcement of new music arrives alongside a deeply personal milestone. As Paige and her husband approach their 4th wedding anniversary on April 23rd, the couple is celebrated not only their marriage but the upcoming arrival of their baby, expected in the fall of 2026. After privately cherishing the news with close family, they are now excited to share this next chapter with fans.
“I’ve never felt a deeper calling over my life than being a mom, and one of the most attractive things I noticed about my husband, Griffin, early on when we were dating, was how patient and loving he was towards all the children we had around us, from friends to family. I knew he would not only make a great husband, but a great family leader and father to our children someday. I’m excited to become a mother myself and fulfill that long-awaited call in my heart, but I’m even more comforted knowing that I will be doing it alongside such a great partner. We can’t wait to welcome our sweetest answered prayer this fall! Thank you, Jesus, for trusting us with this blessing. Baby C, we are so lucky to be your parents, and we can’t wait to kiss your sweet face!” — Paige King Johnson
In keeping with their wishes, additional details, including the baby’s gender and exact due date, will remain private until after the baby’s arrival.
Professionally, Paige King Johnson continues to build momentum with a catalog that reflects both growth and staying power. Known for her grounded approach to country music, she has earned widespread recognition through performances on the Grand Ole Opry stage alongside Pam Tillis, nine Carolina Country Music Awards, and continued support from outlets including CMT, MusicRow, Heartland, RFD-TV, Cowgirl Magazine, New On Music Row Podcast, and Chasing the Carrot.
Recent releases such as “I Get Old Too,” “Country See, Country Do,” and “Cowboys Ride Away” highlight an artist focused not on trends, but on timeless storytelling. Her career has also included partnerships with Texas Roadhouse as Artist of the Month (November 2025), collaborations with Old Gringo Boots for their “Rhythm and Roots” series, and festival appearances, including 2026’s Country on the Clyde.
Beyond touring and recording, Paige served as the official Got To Be NC Musical Ambassador and contributes regularly to WRAL, highlighting music, agriculture, and culture across her home state.
Now, as she prepares for the release of “It Ain’t Me” and steps into motherhood, Paige describes this chapter as “the most meaningful season yet,” one defined by gratitude, growth, and a deepened sense of purpose both on and off the stage.
