Country music singer Sammy Kershaw and his wife, Mendy Gregory Kershaw, have received an invitation to attend the CMA Awards after a public dispute over red carpet access. The 68-year-old singer confirmed on November 10 that the Country Music Association had apologized and invited the couple to participate in the November 18 ceremony in Nashville.
Kershaw initially expressed disappointment after learning that he and Mendy would not be permitted to walk the red carpet. The development has brought renewed attention to his marriage, family life and previous relationship with country singer Lorrie Morgan.
Who Is Sammy Kershaw’s Wife Mendy Gregory?
Mendy Gregory Kershaw is the longtime partner and publicly acknowledged wife of Sammy Kershaw, the Louisiana-born country singer known for hits including She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful and Queen of My Double Wide Trailer.
The couple have maintained a relatively private relationship despite Kershaw’s long career in country music. Mendy has occasionally accompanied him to public events, including the CMA Awards red carpet in 2016.
Although Kershaw publicly refers to Mendy as his wife, details about their wedding date have not been widely documented. Earlier reports identified Gregory as his longtime girlfriend before the couple welcomed their daughter.
Sammy Kershaw and Mendy Gregory’s Daughter
Kershaw and Gregory welcomed their daughter, Natelia Mae Kershaw, on September 11, 2019, in Lafayette, Louisiana. She weighed seven pounds and measured 19 inches at birth.
The couple chose their daughter’s name to honor both sides of their family. Natelia was the name of Kershaw’s grandmother, while Mae came from Gregory’s grandmother.
Natelia is Kershaw’s youngest child. The singer also has daughters Emily, Erin and Sammie, a son named Brandon and a stepson named Ryan from earlier relationships.
Kershaw was 61 when Natelia was born. Her arrival marked another chapter in his family life after several previous marriages.
Sammy Kershaw’s Marriage to Lorrie Morgan
Before his relationship with Mendy Gregory, Kershaw was married to country music singer Lorrie Morgan. The two artists developed a professional and personal relationship during the late 1990s.
They recorded the duet Maybe Not Tonight in 1999, which reached No. 17 on Billboard’s country chart. Their musical partnership continued with the collaborative album I Finally Found Someone in 2001.
Kershaw and Morgan married on September 29, 2001. Their relationship experienced difficulties, including a separation followed by reconciliation.
Morgan filed for divorce in October 2007, citing irreconcilable differences. Their marriage ended after approximately six years.
Kershaw had also been married before Morgan, including to Kim Kershaw and June Roy. His earlier relationships received considerably less public attention than his marriage to Morgan.
Why Sammy Kershaw and His Wife Made Headlines
On November 5, Kershaw publicly criticized the Country Music Association after being denied permission to walk the red carpet with Mendy at the upcoming awards ceremony.
He explained that the couple had adjusted his touring schedule and booked flights and accommodation in anticipation of attending.
Kershaw said, “She was really looking forward to us sharing a special evening together celebrating country music.”
The CMA responded on November 9, explaining that red carpet access was restricted because of limited space, security requirements and a high number of artist requests.
Following further discussions, Kershaw announced that the organization had apologized and extended an invitation to him and Mendy.
In his November 10 statement, Kershaw confirmed, “The CMA has also extended an invitation for my wife, Mendy, and me to walk the red carpet and attend this year’s awards alongside our fellow artists.”
Sammy Kershaw and Mendy Gregory’s Current Life
Kershaw, born February 24, 1958, in Louisiana, remains active in country music after more than five decades of performing. His career includes multiple platinum-certified albums and more than 25 singles that reached the Billboard country Top 40.
The singer continues to perform live while maintaining his family life with Mendy and their daughter.
As of November 2026, Kershaw and Mendy have been invited to attend the 60th annual CMA Awards, scheduled for November 18 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The invitation follows the resolution of their red carpet dispute with the Country Music Association.