Maren Morris has shown time and time again that she isn’t afraid to speak up and put her stance out there when it comes to taking a side on social issues. She has long shown her support for the LBGTQ+ community in various ways, even taking to social media to share her personal feelings and opinions on topics of inclusivity.
Maren Morris Dresses In Drag As Willie Nelson On Billboard Cover
This time, as part of PRIDE month, Morris stepped it up a notch, posing for the cover of Billboard. But she didn’t necessarily model as herself. Instead, she dressed in drag, donning a look that depicted the iconic Willie Nelson.
In the photo, which can be seen in the Instagram post above, Morris appears surrounded by drag stars, including Eureka O’Hara, Landon Cider, Sasha Colby, and Symone. Each individual poses in glammed-up apparel, but it’s Morris, who is front and center, rocking a look, which takes things next level.
The “Better Than We Found It” singer, 33, is shown wearing her hair in braids just like the country outlaw. She pairs her hairstyle with an old-school, classic country cowboy look, and sports all-black with vintage designs on her shirt. She also accessorizes her outfit with a bedazzled black belt and a cowboy hat.
Willie Nelson Reacted To Maren Morris’ Drag Look
And, it appears that Nelson caught eye of Morris’ interpretation of his image. He didn’t waste any time commenting on the powerful shot, shared on Billboard’s Instagram page.
“Was wondering where that outfit went,” the legendary artist, 90, wrote alongside the post, which includes the caption: “As drag bans proliferate, @marenmorris goes deep with drag’s biggest stars on why the show must go on. With anti-LGBTQ+ legislation running rampant, @eurekaohara, @landoncider, @sashacolby, and @the_symone join Morris to discuss fighting back against bigotry — and how the music industry can help — in Billboard’s Pride cover story at the link in bio. 🏳️🌈”
“Don’t be a drag, just be a… king? Happy Pride month, y’all. 🌈💕,” Morris captioned the cover page to her personal Instagram.
Morris Introduced Her Son To Drag Queens
Maren Morris posing as Nelson comes just a few months after she revealed she introduced her toddler son, Hayes to the drag queens while at the Love Rising concert in Nashville, Tenn., at the Bridgestone Arena.
“Yes, I introduced my son to some drag queens today,” Morris told the crowd, earning cheers from the audience. “So, Tennessee, f–king arrest me.”
Willie Nelson Previously Offered Maren Morris Parenting Advice
And, it turns out Willie Nelson has previously given the Texan some parenting advice.
In a previous episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which saw Morris guest-hosting and chatting with Nelson, she asked the question: So I actually had a baby recently or in the last year or so, and I know that you’ve brought your children out on the road for years as you’ve toured. Do you have any advice for bringing a baby on a tour bus and what that might look like?”
“Well, you know, all my career I’ve had kids on the bus,” Nelson told Morris. “They grew up to be pickers themselves and most of them have wound up out on the stage with me, singing with me every night. So, it’s just really been a big joy to have your kids with you, especially when you’re gone as much as I am gone.”
Maren Morris Recently Discussed The Drag Ban Bill
Coinciding with the recent Billboard cover, Morris, who is GLAAD’s 2023 Excellence in Media Award recipient, hosted a round table discussion where she opened up about drag ban bills, as well as the ways in which people in her position, who share her same views, can fight back against bigotry in the wake of the ongoing legislative attacks against the LGBTQ community.
“I don’t think any of us got into this art form to be an activist, but that’s ultimately thrust upon you to exist in this space and to feel like you can sleep at night. You’re going to lose fans along the way — that is just part and parcel of being public-facing. But there is a lane that you’re widening,” she said, referring to her fellow country artists. “I know everyone likes money, but is it worth your biography saying that you never picked a side because both sides pay money to buy a T-shirt?”
“It’s intentionally hard to know where the line is between what is drag and what is not, and it’s obviously really meant to eradicate the existence of trans people,” she added. “I mean, even a lot of these [male] country artists wear tighter jeans than I do!”
Touring With The Chicks
Morris is currently gearing up to hit the road as a supporting act on the overseas legs of The Chicks’ upcoming Summer World Tour. The trek kicks off in Oslo, Norway, on June 20 and makes stops in the U.K. and Europe through July 4.
The Chicks will perform a run of shows in North America before Morris rejoins the trio, made up of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer, for a brief fall run in Canada.
