Country legend fires back with patriotic message after musician’s anti-Columbus Day rant

Country singer Kacey Musgraves drew criticism after remarks she made about Christopher Columbus during a concert in Texas.

She called the explorer “lame” and “a loser” and said, “Obviously f*** Columbus. Literally the lamest person to probably ever exist. Like for real. What a loser.” The comments referred to the national holiday.

Country Music Hall of Famer Wynonna Judd responded during an appearance on Tomi Lahren’s program. Judd said Musgraves has the right to speak but that “that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing.”

She added that her own grandmother “would have had a fit.” Judd argued that her job as an entertainer is to perform, not to lecture audiences on political history.

“I never hear from my fans, ‘Hey, would you come out and sing ‘Grandpa’ and tell me what your political view is,’” she said. “My job is to be an entertaining person.”

Judd said she follows the approach associated with Dolly Parton of keeping personal political views private and letting actions speak. She stressed support for military service members and noted that her son is a deputy.

“I’m a patriot. I support my servicemen. My son is a deputy. And I am for America. Period,” Judd stated. She described the United States as “the greatest country in the world.”

She indicated she would support whichever president holds office, saying, “If it was President Biden, I would support him. Because he’s the freaking president.” Judd emphasized that she did not appear on the program to discuss politics.

“I didn’t come here to talk about politics, I came to talk about music,” she said. “It’s nobody’s business what I try to do in my private life.” On stage she prioritizes the American flag as a reflection of her love of country.

The exchange highlighted differing views within country music about whether performers should address historical or political controversies during shows. Judd’s comments framed patriotism as support for the country and its service members rather than attachment to any particular political figure.

Musgraves’ remarks circulated widely online and prompted both criticism and defense. Judd’s response has been presented as a contrast that separates entertainment from political commentary.

The discussion has not produced any further public statements from either performer beyond the comments already reported. Country audiences have continued to debate the appropriate boundaries for artists when national holidays or historical figures become topics of discussion.