Ashley McBryde Halts Talking After Painful Vocal Cord Injury

• McBryde is on vocal rest for one week due to a vocal cord injury and is encouraging fans to use ASL instead of speaking.
• She remains committed to her tour, including a December residency in Nashville.
• “Rattlesnake Preacher” dropped in June, marking a milestone for fans and the artist alike.
• ASL has become a meaningful way for her to connect with fans, rooted in her own recovery journey.
• Her signature humility shines, even in the smallest shared moment—like the goose-honking reaction to Reba McEntire.

On August 6, country singer Ashley McBryde, 42, shared a heartfelt video on Instagram revealing she had “busted up vocal cords” and needs complete vocal rest for the upcoming week. Communicating through handwritten notes, she explained, “Hi guys! So … I hurt my throat. So, NO TALKING if I want to be able to sing to you.”

Refusing to let this setback derail her plans, McBryde encouraged fans to practice basic ASL phrases such as “Hi! Nice to meet you! Good to see you!” to keep meet-and-greets alive—while she remains determined not to cancel any shows.

Why This Break Matters: Protecting Her Voice Without Canceling Shows

McBryde made it clear that the decision to go silent is a preventive measure—not a retreat. With a string of performances scheduled through December, including her highly anticipated “Redemption Residency” at Chief’s in Nashville on December 12, she’s ensuring fans still get to experience her live, just with a temporary twist.

Her caption summed it up perfectly:

“The last thing I wanna do is cancel any meet greets or Heaven forbid SHOWS. So let’s try this for this week!”

June Single Release: “Rattlesnake Preacher” Inches Closer to Fans’ Hearts

Adding to the current buzz, McBryde released the studio version of her live show staple, “Rattlesnake Preacher,” on June 26. Known for its electric stage presence and fan-driven demand, the track carries deep meaning for both her and her long-time collaborators.

“It felt like the perfect time to finally get this one out there. It’s my way of saying thank you to the fans who’ve shown up…” she shared, highlighting the song’s journey from bar-room favorite to recorded release.

 

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ASL Advocacy: A Story Rooted in Accessibility and Personal Growth

McBryde’s current vocal rest taps into a broader narrative: her commitment to American Sign Language. After undergoing vocal cord surgery in past years, she began learning ASL to meet basic needs—and quickly, what was once a necessity became a passion.

She now incorporates signing into her live performances, offering a more inclusive experience to deaf and hard-of-hearing fans—a gesture that’s both personal and progressive.

Even amid this pause in conversation, McBryde remains relatable and warm. She recently recounted a fond memory of Reba McEntire surprising her during a radio interview back in 2019. “She snuck in… and said, ‘Hi, Ashley McBryde, this is Reba McEntire, and I’m your biggest fan.’ I just literally honked like a goose at her,” she laughed.

Also Read | Teyana Taylor’s Emergency Vocal Cord Surgery: What You Should Know