• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Dixie Chicks talk cancel culture 17 years after being blacklisted

3:02
Dixie Chicks reveal new album in the works
Kmazur/WireImage/Getty Images
ByCarson Blackwelder
March 16, 2020, 6:36 PM

With the Dixie Chicks officially back in action after a 14-year hiatus with "Gaslighter," you better believe they have things to say about their time away from the spotlight.

"We have nine kids and we’ve been raising our children," Natalie Maines explained on the March 16 episode of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” “I know for me … when they got to the age for school and to have their own lives and their own friends, I just wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and make their lives about them and not about me.”

Related Articles

MORE: Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini call out sexism in country radio

DeGeneres called that notion "admirable," but Emily Strayer, 47, addressed the elephant in the room by bringing up the political statement Maines infamously made about then-president George W. Bush and the Iraq War at a 2003 concert in London.

"I want to be honest. I think after the whole controversy -- and that feels like eons ago -- but we were pretty worn out at the same time," Stayer noted, as sister Martie Maguire nodded in agreement. "I don’t know, I think we needed a break -- maybe not 14 years…”\"

Dixie Chicks perform live at Royal Albert Hall in 2003.
Tabatha Fireman/Redferns/Getty Images

"We needed to get mad again and have something to write about," Maguire, 51, joked.

Related Articles

MORE: Country's biggest female stars band together for equal representation, industry changes

Editor’s Picks

Dixie Chicks drop 'Gaslighter,' their 1st new music in 14 years

  • Mar 04, 2020

Dixie Chicks and Taylor Swift's new song 'Soon You'll Get Better' hits the top 100

  • Sep 04, 2019

Carly Pierce and Michael Ray call Nashville a ‘big family’

  • Mar 12, 2020

DeGeneres then asked how the talented trio feel looking back on what happened 17 years ago, an act that essentially blacklisted them in the country music industry.

"I think we were one of the first people to feel that cancel culture and I think what we said back then -- what I said back then -- would not even be a thing today because it was really mild compared to what people say today," Maines, 45, reasoned. "So, on one hand, everyone has this platform where they can say whatever they want to say. But, on the other hand, this platform can move really quickly and, yeah, ruin people’s lives."

The 62-year-old talk show host called this a "sad reality."

Related Articles

MORE: Martina McBride calls out Spotify for women in country music appearing less on playlists than men

"I think we need to get back to where we all just celebrate our differences and we all have different opinions and it’s OK to have strong opinions," DeGeneres concluded. "As long as you’re not hurting somebody else, you can speak your opinion."

Editor’s Picks

Dixie Chicks drop 'Gaslighter,' their 1st new music in 14 years

  • Mar 04, 2020

Dixie Chicks and Taylor Swift's new song 'Soon You'll Get Better' hits the top 100

  • Sep 04, 2019

Carly Pierce and Michael Ray call Nashville a ‘big family’

  • Mar 12, 2020

Up Next in Culture—

Jessica Simpson's daughter cheers her on during 1st TV performance in 15 years

May 19, 2025

Tom Cruise says he will make movies 'into my 100s': 'I will never stop'

May 19, 2025

'American Idol' crowns season 23 winner: See his inspiring message

May 19, 2025

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle celebrate 7th wedding anniversary

May 19, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News