Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin: A Country Love Story

Country music star Miranda Lambert, known for her successful music career and vibrant personality, is set to receive the Country Icon Award at the forthcoming People’s Choice Country Awards. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, indicating a recognition of her over 20-year contribution to the genre.

Lambert’s personal life took a romantic turn when she met Brendan McLoughlin, a former NYPD officer, in 2018. As Lambert revealed, she encountered McLoughlin while promoting a record with her music group, Pistol Annies, on “Good Morning America.” McLoughlin was providing security for the show. “My girlfriends, the Annies, saw him and knew I might be ready to hang out with someone,” Lambert shared, highlighting the role her friends played in their introduction.

The couple married in 2019, and McLoughlin then transitioned from his law enforcement career to dabble in songwriting, collaborating with Lambert. Notably, he co-wrote Lambert’s track “Dammit Randy,” showcasing his knack for the craft. Lambert remarked, “We started writing [music] in 2020, when we were home, like for fun, and he was actually pretty good.”

In addition to songwriting, McLoughlin made his music video debut in Lambert’s 2020 video for “Settling Down,” further intertwining his life with hers. On a personal front, McLoughlin welcomed a child from a previous relationship in November 2018, and Lambert expressed her joy in being a stepmother, noting, “My stepson is amazing. I’m loving that whole phase.”

Miranda Lambert, often described as a “tour de force in country music,” has captivated audiences with her innovation and individuality. Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, stated, “We’re so excited to celebrate her career, fierce individualism, and innovation in the industry with the Country Icon Award.”

The People’s Choice Country Awards will air live on NBC and be available for streaming on Peacock, offering a platform to celebrate Lambert’s storied career and her contributions to country music.