You’ve seen her. If you’ve ever watched a Chris Stapleton performance—whether it’s on the CMA stage or a grainy YouTube clip from a dive bar—she is right there. Standing just a few feet to his left, tambourine in hand, locked in a gaze so intense it feels like the rest of the world has vanished. People always ask: what is chris stapleton's wife's name? Her name is Morgane Stapleton, and honestly, calling her just "the wife" is like calling the engine of a truck a "decoration."
She isn't just a spouse; she is the architect of the Stapleton sound.
From Songwriting Cubicles to Country Royalty
Morgane Stapleton (born Morgane Hayes) didn't just stumble into the spotlight. She’s a Nashville powerhouse in her own right. Long before Chris was the guy winning every Grammy in sight, they were both "pencil-pushers" in the songwriting world. Back in 2003, they worked at adjacent publishing houses. Morgane was at Arista Nashville, and Chris was over at Sea Gayle Music.
The way they met is basically a country song waiting to happen. Morgane used to hang out at a friend’s office just to catch a glimpse of the guy with the jingling keys. That was Chris. He used to wear a big ring of keys on his belt, and she knew his walk. Eventually, he asked her to write a song with him. That was their first date. They didn’t get much writing done—mostly just talked until the sun went down.
They got married on October 27, 2007. Since then, they've stayed remarkably tight. You don't see them in the tabloids. You don't hear about drama. You just see them on stage, harmonizing in a way that makes your hair stand up.
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The Secret Influence Behind "Traveller"
If you love the album Traveller, you have Morgane to thank. It’s a fact. After Chris’s father passed away in 2013, he was in a dark place. He wasn't sure what his musical future looked like. It was Morgane who suggested they buy an old 1979 Jeep Cherokee and drive it from Phoenix back to Nashville.
During that road trip, Chris wrote the title track. Morgane was the one who sifted through his massive catalog of songs—we’re talking hundreds of tracks he’d written for other people—and handpicked the ones that became that legendary debut. She saw the vision when he couldn't.
Why the Name Morgane Stapleton Matters
She’s written hits you probably know by heart. Ever heard "Don't Forget to Remember Me" by Carrie Underwood? That’s her. She’s written for LeAnn Rimes, Alan Jackson, and Trisha Yearwood. She even had a record deal of her own once, though she famously told the New York Times that the pressure of being a solo artist literally made her break out in hives.
She prefers the shadows. Or, more accurately, she prefers being the "harmony."
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When they sing together, it’s not just a lead singer and a backup. It’s a conversation. On tracks like "Tennessee Whiskey" or "You Are My Sunshine" (which she secretly had engraved inside his wedding ring), her voice is the texture that makes his raspy growl feel human.
A Growing Family in the Woods
The Stapletons are notoriously private about their kids. They have five of them.
- A son born in 2009 (Waylon).
- A daughter born in 2010 (Ada).
- Twin boys born in 2018 (Macon and Samuel).
- A fifth son born in 2019 (whose name they’ve kept private).
They live out in the Tennessee woods, trying to give those kids a normal life while Dad sells out arenas. Morgane balances the chaos of five children with the grueling schedule of a touring musician. She doesn't stay home while he tours; she’s in the band. She’s on the bus. She’s the one Chris looks at when he forgets a lyric or needs a boost of confidence. He calls her his "Jiminy Cricket." She’s his moral and musical compass.
Misconceptions and the "Backing Singer" Label
One big mistake people make is thinking she’s just there for the ride. Nope. On his latest album, Higher, she is credited as a co-producer. She’s in the booth, making decisions on the drum sound, the vocal takes, and the vibe.
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There’s a reason Chris Stapleton is the biggest name in country music right now, and it’s not just the beard or the voice. It’s the woman standing next to him.
If you want to truly appreciate the music, stop looking at Chris for a second and watch Morgane. Watch how she watches him. That’s where the soul of the music actually lives.
Next Steps for Stapleton Fans:
- Listen to the Harmonies: Put on "Fire Away" with good headphones. Listen specifically for the way Morgane’s voice wraps around the high notes.
- Check the Credits: Look up the songwriting credits for Some Hearts by Carrie Underwood or III by Joe Nichols to see her early work.
- Watch the CMA Performance: Find the 2015 CMA performance with Justin Timberlake. Most people focus on the vocals, but watch Morgane’s face—it’s a masterclass in supportive, powerful stage presence.