Country music artist Carly Pearce has opened up about the emotional toll of living with a chronic heart condition that left her fearing she might suffer a heart attack. The 36-year-old Grammy winner was diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis in 2024, a condition that causes inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart. Since 2020, Pearce has experienced repeated episodes of chest pain, shortness of breath and severe fatigue. The diagnosis came after years of dismissed symptoms and misdiagnoses that left the singer searching for answers about her deteriorating health.
Speaking at her annual charity event “Carly’s Closet” during CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee, Pearce described the psychological challenge of receiving such a diagnosis. The fear of recurrence and uncertainty about her heart’s stability became a constant concern. She revealed that educating herself about the condition helped prevent spiraling into worst-case scenarios, though she warned others against relying on internet searches for medical information.
Years of misdiagnosis led to delayed treatment
The “Every Little Thing” singer shared that her symptoms began in 2020, but doctors initially dismissed her complaints. Medical professionals attributed her chest pain and fatigue to anxiety or her demanding touring schedule. Pearce recalled being told repeatedly that nothing was wrong, despite knowing something was seriously affecting her body. The persistent singer refused to accept these dismissals and continued seeking medical attention until doctors properly identified the source of her health problems.
During a February appearance on Rolling Stone’s “Nashville Now,” Pearce emphasized the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. She urged fans to seek medical attention quickly when health issues arise and to persist if they feel something is wrong. Her experience highlighted a common problem many patients face when symptoms are not taken seriously by medical professionals, particularly when dealing with internal conditions that may not present obvious external signs.
Managing pericarditis while maintaining demanding career
Pearce provided a positive update on her current health status, stating she feels well-equipped to manage her condition. She has developed a plan for handling potential flares of recurrent pericarditis and credits education about her diagnosis with giving her confidence to continue her career. The condition has forced significant lifestyle adjustments, particularly in her exercise routine. The singer no longer pushes herself to maximum intensity during workouts, recognizing that listening to her body takes precedence over competing with others in fitness classes.
- Modified exercise routine with reduced intensity to prevent flares
- Developed medical response plan for potential pericarditis episodes
- Continued touring and performing with necessary adjustments
- Maintained commitment to scheduled shows despite health challenges
The Grammy winner acknowledged that managing her condition changed her approach to physical activity more than her touring schedule. She learned to moderate her workouts, avoiding the temptation to push herself to extreme limits on treadmills or in group fitness settings. This shift reflects a broader change in how she treats her body, prioritizing health over performance metrics.
New album reflects personal growth beyond difficult past
Pearce is currently working on her fifth studio album, which follows 2024’s “Hummingbird.” She has already released several singles that will appear on the forthcoming record, including “Dream Come True,” “Church Girl,” “You Can Have Him” and a duet with Riley Green titled “If I Don’t Leave, I’m Gonna Stay.” The singer described the upcoming album as her most honest music yet, celebrating womanhood and her current life stage while returning to her Kentucky and Appalachian bluegrass roots.
Reflecting on her 2021 album “29: Written in Stone,” Pearce expressed gratitude for the success it brought while acknowledging she has no desire to return to that difficult period of her life. The album was inspired by traumatic events during her 29th year, including her divorce from fellow country singer Michael Ray and the death of her longtime producer and mentor Busbee. The record marked a major career turning point, reaching number nine on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and producing her Grammy-winning collaboration with Ashley McBride titled “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.”
Charity work continues through annual clothing fundraiser
Pearce hosted her annual “Carly’s Closet” fundraiser for the third consecutive year during CMA Fest in Nashville. The charity pop-up allows fans to purchase items from the singer’s personal wardrobe, with all proceeds benefiting the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives. The event has become a meaningful tradition for both Pearce and her fans, who often wear their purchased items to her concerts throughout the year.
The “Hide the Wine” singer admitted that parting with certain pieces can be challenging due to sentimental value, particularly items worn during special performances or memorable red carpet appearances. She compared the experience to “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” noting that each garment carries a story from her career. Some items remained in her closet for six years before she felt ready to let them go, while others she plans to keep permanently. Pearce finds joy in knowing fans create their own memories with clothing that played a role in significant moments of her career, including an outfit worn during a stadium performance with Rascal Flatts.
