It’s almost been a year since Scotty McCreery’s world permanently changed for good. On Oct. 24, 2022, the country music star and his wife and childhood sweetheart, Gabi Dugal McCreery, welcomed their very first child, a boy named Merrick Avery McCreery.
The little bundle of joy has brought many new and exciting challenges and priorities for his parents. But when it comes to discussing his experience as a first-time father, McCreery has been nothing short of an open book. Now that he’s spent nearly 12 joyous months juggling his music career and personal life at home with a baby on board, the 2011 American Idol winner says, “It’s safe to say, life is completely different than a year ago in all of the best ways.”
“It’s just been so fun watching [Avery] grow up and turn into this little person and have his own little personality,” McCreery reflects on the last 12 months in an interview with Music Mayhem.
Made Adjustments On Tour To Accommodate His Son
And just as much as he has shifted gears as a new dad, McCreery has also made adjustments on tour, incorporating a baby-safe area for his little roadie who joined him on the road for Brooks & Dunn’s 2023 Reboot Tour.
“The touring life has been completely different,” McCreery noted. “I’m fortunate to have what we call the baby bus out there with us this year. He’s got a crib and all his toys, diapers, and wipes, and you name it. He’s stocked up there. So, it’s been fun.”
“It’s been different though,” the “Cab In A Solo” singer continues. “I’m used to grabbing a few bottles after I get off stage, milk bottles, and warming them up. It’s just as soon as I get back on the bus that’s normally bedtime for him. So it’s been a little different.”
“I Prioritize Them Pretty Big”
While Avery has his area of the bus to join Daddy on the road, McCreery shares that he makes a conscious effort to join his wife and kid at home as much as possible.
“Family, if you follow my career, you know it’s very important to me,” McCreery said. “I try to be home as much as I can to be with him, and then I get them on the road with me as much as they can or want to be, just so I don’t miss anything. So, I prioritize them pretty big.”
Big indeed, as McCreery has been no stranger to sharing family photos on his social media pages. Most recently, on Instagram, he posted a series of snapshots featuring him with his family, celebrating — in his own words — the “First football weekend of the year!”
One photo from the spread shows McCreery and Avery sporting matching New England Patriots jerseys, while other pictures find the family of three rooting for NC State.
Along with that, folks can look forward to McCreery highlighting his family on his forthcoming new album, as he promises, “There will be a baby song on there and a song for Gabi” on the record.
The upcoming project, which follows McCreery’s 2021 album, Same Truck, will also include plenty of new material and will usher in a new era of music for the star.
At this point, McCreery has not indicated when the new album would be released, but he did share that he has finished up the recording process for all the tracks. So folks can expect the new chapter of music soon. Be sure to keep up with McCreery for all new updates and tour information HERE.