Country-pop superstar Kacey Musgraves is pressing pause on her live performances after a freak accident in Mexico left her with a broken rib and a mountain of pain. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter was forced to cancel her highly anticipated “Sing for Science” show at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium, originally scheduled for Sunday, June 22nd, after what she describes as a “gnarly injury” that will take weeks to heal.

A Sudden Accident in Paradise

What began as a routine evening in Mexico quickly turned into a nightmare for Musgraves. The singer, known for her poetic lyrics and radiant stage presence, was staying at a resort when a rainstorm set the stage for disaster. According to Musgraves, she was hurrying to fetch towels on a rainy Wednesday night when she slipped on an unseen tile floor. The fall was sudden and severe.

“Thankful I didn’t smack my head, but I landed very, very hard on my back left rib cage,” Musgraves shared with her fans on social media, along with a painful-looking X-ray that left no question about the seriousness of her injury. The X-ray revealed a break in her sixth rib—a notoriously painful injury that can make even simple movements excruciating.

Pain, Disappointment, and a Hard Decision

Musgraves didn’t sugarcoat her ordeal. “This is no joke,” she admitted in her Instagram post. “I’m in a lot of pain and doing anything is extremely difficult, but I’m managing.” Despite her best efforts to recover in time for her Nashville show, the pain and logistics proved insurmountable.

Getting on a plane to return from Mexico to Tennessee was simply not an option. The singer explained, “Because of the injury, flying back to Nashville just wasn’t possible. I literally had no other option but to cancel the show.” For fans who had tickets to see her at the Ryman Auditorium—a hallowed venue in the heart of Music City—the news was a last-minute blow. Many had been looking forward to the one-of-a-kind “Sing for Science” event, where Musgraves was set to headline a night blending music and scientific curiosity.

Fans Rally, Show Rescheduled

The disappointment, however, is only temporary. Event organizers quickly announced that the concert has been rescheduled for September 18th at the Ryman. The “Sing for Science” team took to Instagram to reassure fans, writing, “Heal up, Kacey, and then get back up to Nashville so we can all bask in the wonder of mushrooms.” The playful message referenced the event’s unique focus on the intersection of music, science, and creativity—a perfect fit for Musgraves’ eclectic spirit.

Fans flooded social media with messages of support and well-wishes for the singer’s recovery. “Take your time, Kacey! We’ll be here when you’re ready,” one fan wrote, echoing the sentiment of thousands who were disappointed but understanding.

A Quiet Year, Now a Forced Pause

2025 has already been a relatively quiet year for Musgraves on the touring front. The Nashville show was a rare live appearance, and her next scheduled concert isn’t until July 5th in Montana. With a broken rib typically taking about six weeks to heal—according to the Mayo Clinic—Musgraves is hoping to be back on her feet and ready to perform by then.

Broken ribs are infamous for their slow, painful healing process. Unlike other fractures, they can’t be set in a cast; recovery is all about rest, patience, and managing pain. Even breathing deeply, laughing, or sneezing can send sharp pain through the chest. For a performer whose art relies on breath control and movement, it’s a particularly tough setback.

Kacey’s Resilience Shines Through

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Musgraves’ trademark resilience and humor are shining through. She’s keeping fans updated on her progress, sharing not just the painful details but also her gratitude that the injury wasn’t worse. “It could have been my head,” she noted, “so I’m counting my blessings even as I’m counting my bruises.”

This isn’t the first time Musgraves has faced adversity with grace. Throughout her career, she’s been celebrated for her candidness, both in her music and her personal life. Fans have come to love her not just for her voice, but for her vulnerability and authenticity—a quality that is once again on display as she navigates this unexpected detour.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery

For now, Musgraves is focused on healing. Her team is working closely with doctors to ensure she gets the rest she needs. Friends and family are rallying around her, and she’s taking comfort in the outpouring of support from fans around the world.

As she recuperates, Musgraves is also taking the opportunity to reflect and write. Known for turning life’s challenges into lyrical gold, don’t be surprised if this painful episode finds its way into her next album. After all, as she once sang, “If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

What’s Next for Fans?

If you had tickets for the June 22nd “Sing for Science” show, hold onto them—your seats are still good for the rescheduled date in September. Organizers are working to make the new show even more special, with a few surprises in store for fans who stuck by Musgraves during her recovery.

In the meantime, Musgraves’ music continues to inspire, comfort, and connect. Whether she’s on stage or sidelined by injury, her artistry and spirit remain undimmed.

Final Thoughts

Accidents happen, even to the brightest stars. But as Kacey Musgraves takes the time she needs to heal, one thing is clear: her fans, her team, and the entire Nashville community are behind her every step of the way. Here’s wishing her a swift and smooth recovery—and looking forward to the day she lights up the Ryman stage once again.