Ernest is taking a short break from touring to focus on his family.

The country singer shared the news in a social media post, explaining that while he loves performing for fans every night, the road has “taken its toll” on both him and his toddler son, Ryman.

“I’m going to be taking about a month off to reset and spend some time at home with my family,” Ernest wrote. “My son, Ryman, is now at the age where every time I get home, he asks me if I’m leaving…and I just can’t stand hearing him ask for daddy thru a phone call anymore.

“I wanna spend quality time at home and pour into that reserve,” he added.

Ernest and his wife, Delaney Royer, welcomed son Ryman in April 2021. This spring, as they celebrated his third birthday, Ernest brought Ryman onstage as a special guest as his Stagecoach performance.

After Ernest shared his post announcing his music break, a few other country star dads chimed in to share their support and empathize with how hard it is to leave kids at home while on the road.

“The hardest part of what we do brother,” commented Randy Houser.

“Heard that buddy. Damn it’s tough,” added Brent Cobb.

“Fam first,” said Devin Dawson, who welcomed his first child, a daughter named Iris, earlier this month.

Though he’s taking a break, Ernest emphasized that he’ll be back on tour soon, and that he’s excited for what lies ahead. “I’m lucky to have a lot of incredible things coming up, and because of that I want to show up as my best self for my family and for you guys. We will be back on the road soon, and I can’t thank you all enough for the support — y’all be good,” he concluded.

Who Is Ernest?

A country singer who’s also a prominent songwriter in the format, Ernest is known for his close working friendships with Morgan Wallen and Hardy. He and Wallen performed their hit duet, “Flower Shops,” during Ernest’s Grand Ole Opry debut in 2021.

Since then, Ernest has established himself as one of country music’s most stalwart newcomers with the release of his album Flower Shops. He has stayed busy touring both as a headliner and opening for Wallen on massive stages across the country. Ernest has also collaborated with the likes of Post Malone and Jelly Roll.

Carena Liptak is an Associate Editor and staff writer at Taste of Country. She specializes in breaking country music news, interviews and lists. In particular, she’s got a soft spot for sad songs — check out her roundup of the 50 Saddest Country Songs of All Time!