Maren Morris, the Grammy-winning country singer known for hits like “The Middle” and “My Church,” is embarking on a new chapter in her life after finalizing her divorce from fellow musician Ryan Hurd earlier this year. At 34, Morris is not just returning to the dating scene; she’s doing so with a renewed sense of self and a clear set of standards for what she wants—and more importantly, what she doesn’t want—in a relationship.
In an intimate interview with People, Maren candidly discussed the lessons she’s learned from her split and how these insights are guiding her approach to love moving forward. After six years of marriage and a shared son, four-year-old Hayes, Maren has taken the time to reflect on what she needs and desires in this new phase of her life.
One of the most significant takeaways from her past relationship is the importance of self-care and self-preservation. “I think pouring myself into another person is probably not a healthy way of going about things. I think it shifts the expectations and power and entitlement a lot,” Maren shared. This realization has led her to a crucial rule for dating: she is determined to prioritize herself first. “I just have to put 100 percent into myself, and you truly have to be a spectacularly impressive individual to add something to my life because—and I don’t mean to sound full of myself—but the life that I’ve built, I am really, really happy with.”
Maren’s perspective on dating isn’t just about self-empowerment; it’s about protecting the life she’s worked hard to create. Her love for her career, her son, her home, and her friends is evident, and with one dating rule she now has, she’s made it clear that anyone entering her life must complement, not complicate, these aspects. “I love my career, I love my baby, I love my home, I love my friends. Those are all things that matter to me, and those are self-made. I only will allow someone to come into my life if they amplify any of it. They can’t be a net negative. They can’t drain my resources, and I mean that in every sense of the word. Financially, emotionally, spiritually. You truly have to have your s— together to be any part of my life at this point.”
In an industry where public and private lives often blur, Maren is refreshingly transparent about her journey. She admits that her public persona doesn’t leave much room for hiding, which makes protecting her heart even more crucial. “I don’t hide any part of myself. I feel like I can’t really do that because I’m a public figure, semi-public, so everything’s on the table, but I also have to protect my heart,” she explained.
Dating post-divorce has also brought Maren a new sense of freedom. She describes the experience as liberating, with less pressure to force a connection and more space to simply enjoy the process. “I think there’s less pressure to make anything spark or happen, it’s just like I’m enjoying dating for the first time. Nothing crazy has happened yet, it’s just mostly been like OK, I can still do this, I guess, and meet a stranger and connect through conversation. That’s tougher than you’d think.”
As Maren steps into this new phase of her life, she does so with a confidence that she feels has been hard-earned. She’s not rushing into anything but is instead savoring the moments of self-discovery and new experiences that come with dating. “I am excited. This part of myself is the most confident and just not taking herself too seriously, so it is the perfect moment to be dating,” she added. “My rules are just you have to be really spectacular to push me over.”
For Maren, these “rules” aren’t about keeping people out but about setting a high bar for those she lets in. Her focus remains on maintaining the life she’s built and ensuring that anyone she dates contributes positively to her world. It’s a philosophy that resonates with many who have gone through the emotional upheaval of a divorce and emerged stronger on the other side.
Maren Morris’s approach to dating post-divorce is one that blends self-awareness with a no-nonsense attitude. She’s clear about what she wants and isn’t willing to settle for less. As she navigates this new territory, she does so with the wisdom gained from her past and a hopeful outlook for the future. With her career still soaring and her personal life taking on new dimensions, Maren Morris is proof that life after divorce can be filled with growth, joy, and, when the time is right, spectacular new beginnings.
