Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin's Relationship Timeline

Mar. 15, 2025

After a little less than three months of dating, country music superstarMiranda Lambertsurprised everyone withnews of her marriageto police officer Brendan McLoughlin in January 2019.

The couplemet in November 2018, when Lambert performed on ABC’sGood Morning America, where McLoughlin was working security. The two quietly dated and kept their marriage under wraps until Lambert revealed the nuptialsin a Valentine’s Day post.

“I feel like I’ve been through enough in my life to know what I don’t want, so when I know what I do want, I snatch it right up,” thesinger later told PEOPLEof their whirlwind romance.

McLoughlin is a Staten Island native, and the twosplit their time between Lambert’s home base in Nashville and New York City, where the now-retired NYPD officer has a young son from aprevious relationship.

November 2, 2018: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin meet on the set ofGood Morning America

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Lambert and McLoughlin met on the set ofGood Morning AmericainNew York City, where she performed with her band, the Pistol Annies. McLoughlin, an officer with the New York Police Department at the time, was doing security for the show when Lambert’s bandmates decided to play matchmaker.

“My girlfriends, the Annies, saw him and knew I might be ready to hang out with someone,” the country songstressrevealed in aNew York Timesprofile. “They invited him to our show behind my back. They plucked him for me.”

Lambert’s security guard was also aware of the set-up.

“My security guy Tom, he was in on it too. He said to me, ‘He’s here. And he’s pretty,’ " she said with a laugh.

January 26, 2019: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin get married

Miranda Lambert Instagram

Almost three months after their initial encounter, Lambert and McLoughlin tied the knot on a farm outside Nashville. But the couple didn’t make the news public until three weeks later when Lambert announced the nuptials on social media.

“In honor of Valentine’s day I wanted to share some news. I met the love of my life. And we got hitched!” the “House That Built Me” singerannounced via Twitterand Instagram on February 16. “My heart is full. Thank you Brendan Mcloughlin for loving me for … Me.”

The Grammy winnerspoke to PEOPLEabout her decision to remain mum about her new marriage.

“I was married before, and it was a huge wedding and everything was very public. So was my divorce,” said Lambert, who was previously married to fellow country singerBlake Sheltonfor 10 years before theycalled it quits in 2015. “I learned then that it’s not for everybody else. This is my actual life. With Brendan, I made it a point to keep it as private as I could for as long as I could.”

April 2019: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin make their red carpet debut

Miranda Lambert and husband Brendan McLoughlin at the 2019 ACM Awards.John Shearer/WireImage

Lambert and McLoughlinwalked their first red carpetas a couple at the 2019 ACM Awards in Las Vegas. The star wore a form-fitting lime green gown for the occasion, and her husband was styled in a black classic tailored suit.

It was a memorable night for Lambert as she performed a solo medley and later joinedGeorge Straitas part of an “ACM Flashbacks” series honoring classic country songs.

June 2019: Miranda Lambert opens up about Brendan McLoughlin’s son

McLoughlin has ayoung son named Landonfrom a previous relationship. As Lambert did press for the CMA Fest and her annual MuttNation March,she spoke toExtraabout their life as newlyweds and blending their families.

“We have the best of both worlds,” she shared. “We spend time in New York, we get to see our adorable nugget, then we get to come back to the farm and have the quiet life. I’m enjoying the balance.”

Lambert is also a longtime animal advocate who hasrescued several dogs, cats and horses. McLoughlin and Landon have fit in seamlessly with her fur babies.

“I’m loving that whole phase, and I’ve raised a million dogs, so I feel like I’ve got that part of my womanly/motherly thing is full, so this is a whole new journey,” Lambert toldExtra. “It’s great… My stepson is amazing.”

She added, “[Brendan’s] a great guy and, bless his heart, he didn’t have any dogs or any animals at all when he came into this relationship, so he inherited a whole barn full. I was like, ‘Hey, I got the dogs, you got the kid, we can mix and mingle.’ "

June 2019: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin support Luke Lambert at Pride celebrations

The “Little Red Wagon” singer attended N.Y.C.’s LGBTQ celebrations in June 2019 with McLoughlin to support her brother Luke Lambert and his husband, Marc. Lambert called it “one of the happiest days” and said she got emotional when her brother granted her permission to post about the occasion for her over four million Instagram followers to see.

“We both cried because it was such a big moment,” Lamberttold Pride Source. “I see now, talking about it, why it’s a big moment for other people, because it was a big moment for us too.”

She added: “I’m just glad that he was okay with that, and we could share that moment and be supportive of each other no matter what we’re doing or who we are.”

The siblings grew up in conservative Lindale, Texas, which she has acknowledged was “not the best” in terms of acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

“I do think we are in a moment of change and I have so much to learn,” she toldGLAAD in an interview. Lambert “always” calls her brother and his husband when she isn’t sure what to say.

July 2019: Miranda Lambert jokes about her surprise marriage to Brendan McLoughlin

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Lambert returned to work after a long hiatus in July 2019. It was the first time she had taken an extended break in nearly two decades, and during that respite, she met and married McLoughlin. Shejoked about the whirlwind romanceto Chicago radio station US99.

“They’re not going to let me have eight months off ever again because I get married and do weird s—,” she said jokingly.

“I had the longest break I’ve ever had in 17 years,” Lambert added.

September 2019: Miranda Lambert credits Brendan McLoughlin with bringing joy back to her life

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

During the Atlantic City stop of her Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars tour, Lambertopened up to the crowdabout McLoughlin’s role in bringing joy back to her life. As she sang a stripped-down version of the heartbreaking “Tin Man,” the singer shared that she was now in a better place.

She added, “So even though I’m not sad anymore thanks to Brendan my husband, I still love a sad country song with all my heart, so I’m going to sing a sad one if you want to get sad with me.”

December 25, 2019: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin celebrate their first Christmas as a married couple

The pairspent their first Christmas together as a married couplein Lambert’s home state of Texas. In one of three photos posted to Instagram, Lambert and McLoughlin joined her brother Luke and his husband Marc, all dressed in plaid.

“Merry Texmas Y’all! ?❤️ #soPLAIDtobehome #famdamnly#furbabies #70andsunny #warmwishes☀️ #pineywoods” she captioned the post.

In another shot, the couple posed with an adorable pup on a deck with the woods and a body of water in the background. The final snap is a collage of the two and multiple photos of their pets.

January 26, 2020:Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlincelebrate their first wedding anniversary

Lambert and McLoughlincelebrated their first year of marriagein January 2020. The country star shared a photo from their wedding day, showing the couple strolling hand in hand in Nashville.

“1 year ❤️. I’m so happy to walk through this life with you,” Lambert star wrote.

“Thank you Brendan for making me the proudest wife and stepmom. You are the reason for all my new smile lines. I love you,” she added with the hashtag “Mrs. McLoughlin.”

March 2020: Miranda Lambert’s husband Brendan McLoughlin retires from the NYPD

Christopher Polk/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

After taking aleave of absencefrom the New York Police Department in early 2019,PEOPLE confirmedthat McLoughlin officially retired in February 2020. A representative from the NYPD’s Office of the Deputy Commissioner Public Information told PEOPLE, “His current duty status is retired.”

His retirement freed up time for the couple to enjoy one of their shared interests.

“My husband is very open and happy to travel and could be ready to go anywhere in 15 minutes,” Lamberttold PEOPLE. “I love that. Kind of met a kindred spirit there.”

October 2020: Brendan McLoughlin appears in Miranda Lambert’s music video for “Settling Down”

When she was ready to shoot the music video for her 2019 song “Settling Down,” Lambert didn’t have to look too far to cast her love interest. The country crooner and McLoughlin star in the music video, which shows Lambert watching her husband fish from a dock as she sips wine and writes in a journal in one frame. Other scenes show the couple cuddling in a hammock and dancing in a field. Lambert also frolics with a shirtless McLoughlin while preparing a meal before the video ends with a suited-up McLoughlin gently kissing his wife’s forehead.

Lamberttold New York’s Country 94.7that it was the first time she ever included a significant other in one of her music videos.

“I’ve never had a video in 18 years in the business with a love interest, and so it’s kinda funny that my husband’s my first one,” she told the radio station. “I’m like, ‘You’re cute, you’re here, and you’re free.’ It was fun; he did such a great job … and our little dog is in it, and our ponies. It’s at my magical-happy place an hour away from Nashville.”

January 26, 2021:Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlincelebrate their second wedding anniversary

Lambert and McLoughlinsent sweet shoutouts to each otheron their second wedding anniversary. The singer shared a photo on her Instagram feed from her “Settling Down” music video, which featured her husband.

“2 years hitched!! ❤️ @brendanjmcloughlin,” Lambert wrote along with the hashtag #anniversary.

McLoughlin made a post of his own, sharing a snap of Lambert in the kitchen wearing an apron with the words, “Grab your balls. It’s canning season.”

“Happy anniversary to this amazing woman,” he captioned the photo.

March 2021: Brendan McLoughlin congratulates Miranda Lambert on her Grammy win

Lamberttook home the best country album trophyat the 63rd AnnualGrammy Awardsin Los Angeles on March 14, 2021. The win, her third overall, was for her albumWildcard. McLoughlinescorted his wife up to the stageto accept the award and later congratulated her on Instagram.

“I could not be more proud of this wonderful woman I get to call my wife,” McLoughlin wrote alongside three photos of the couple from the ceremony.

“Last night you continue to show the world how being true to yourself rewards you,” he added. “Watching this album go from being just a thought to celebrating your Grammy victory was magical. I cannot wait to be a part of the future magic you create.”

Lambert also celebrated her big night on Instagram, with a shoutout to her “date.”

“Oh what a night! 💫🌟It was a different kind of Grammy’s this year but I’m so happy we were able to celebrate music in a big way!” she captioned the post. “I’m beyond thankful to be part of our Nashville family. Got to see some friends in person and toast a few on facetime. 💖 And y’all …. my date….🔥❤️Thank you to everyone for believing in ‘Wildcard’ 💙🐦 it means the world to me.”

January 26, 2022: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin mark their third wedding anniversary

Lambert and McLoughlin enjoyed a beach getawayas they celebrated their third wedding anniversary. The singer posted a carousel of photos showing her and her husband throughout the brief vacation. In one snap, Lambert is clad in a black-and-white bikini while kissing McLoughlin on the cheek. In another, she nurses a glass of wine while wearing a flowy dress and oversized sunglasses.

“Spent a few days in the sun with my sunshine. ☀️❤️ #3years💍,” she captioned the series of pictures.

June 2022: Miranda Lambert says she is the happiest she’s ever been with Brendan McLoughlin

In anexclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lambert opened up about her marriage to McLoughlin and her “wild ride” to finding happiness both professionally and personally.

“Finding happiness and being at peace with yourself, it’s a long journey, but I’ve really gotten to a great place,” she said.

She discussed her whirlwind path to love and establishing a healthy work-life balance while also acknowledging that she wouldn’t be who she is “without the hard stuff” she endured.

“When I turned 30, I started to take life in a new direction and really start to understand myself a little better,” she said. “And going through hard things obviously makes you get to know yourself better. When you get broken down pretty good, you look at the mirror and you go, ‘I have to spend some time with me, learn who I am and what I want.’ I got to a really good place with myself. Then I met my husband.”

Her mother, Beverly June Lambert, spoke on how happy her daughter has become in recent years as well, adding that McLoughlin is a big part of it.

“One look at her tells that story,” the country star’s mother said. “She is comfortable and confident, and it shows. Brendan is a good example of a partner. He walks beside her, not beneath or above her. Navigating a new marriage, a pandemic, touring, career changes, family health crises, etc. isn’t easy. But there they are just killin' it.”

Lambert also touched on how she wants to be “open about how happy” her and McLoughlin are.

August 24, 2022: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin attend the ACM Honors awards show

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McLoughlin accompanied Lambert to theACM Honors awards show, where Lambert received a Triple Crown Award, given to accomplished artists who have previously taken home ACM new artist of the year, male or female artist of the year and entertainer of the year.

“It means the world, honestly,” she told PEOPLE. “I went to my first ACMs in 2005, I won new female in 2007, it’s 2022 and I just won entertainer [in March]. It’s just been such an amazing, long road, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted … This is just affirmation that I’m on the right path still. And I’m like, here we go. What’s the next 20 years gonna hold?”

“It makes me want to work harder,” she said. Then, correcting herself, added, “Smarter, not harder! I’ve worked hard enough. I want to work smarter!”

November 8, 2022: Brendan McLoughlin and Miranda Lambert attend the BMI Country Awards

Lambert wowed in a black and emerald-green mini dress, while McLoughlin looked effortlessly handsome in a black suit and tie for the 70th annual BMI Country Awards in Nashville. The country music star was nominated for “Entertainer of the Year,” “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Album of the Year.”

While at the star-studded event, Lambert and McLoughlinfilmed a cute videoof themselves dancing to her new single “Actin' Up.”

January 26, 2023: Brendan McLoughlin and Miranda Lambert celebrate four years of marriage

McLoughlin and Lambert celebrated theirfour-year wedding anniversarywith a tropical vacation. In honor of their actual wedding day, the couple had a mini photoshoot on their hotel balcony.

“Celebrating 4 years married today with my main squeeze @brendanjmcloughlin 💍💕Happy anniversary babe! You are the best,” Lambert captioned the images, two of which featured a shirtless McLoughlin. “Y’all are welcome for the last two pics.”

In a separate post, McLoughlin wrote: “4 years down and a lifetime to go. Happy anniversary @mirandalambert ❤️❤️.”

February 5, 2023: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin attend the Grammy Awards

The “If I Was a Cowboy” singer was nominated for four Grammys, including best country album for her recordPalomino.

May 11, 2023: Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin attend the ACM Awards

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Ahead of performing her new single “Carousel,” on the ACM Awards stage,Lambert walked the red carpet with McLoughlin. The country singer turned heads in a plunging, royal blue gown with a thigh-high slit, while her husband looked handsome in a velvet blazer and satin trousers.

January 16, 2024: Miranda Lambert says Brendan McLoughlin is a “truth-teller”

While chatting withTamron Hall, Lambert shared that McLoughlin is both her No. 1 fan and her most honest critic.

“My husband tells me the truth. He gives me harsh reality, and I love it,” she told Hall. “I like to say he calls me on my s—, which I love because everybody needs somebody in their life like atruth-teller. He’s very New York about it.”

May 15, 2024: Miranda Lambert says her one marriage rule is “communication”

“I think it’s communication. We just talk it out, whatever it is,we talk about everything,” she said. “And I think communication is super important, especially because women, we expect men to know what we’re thinking and they don’t. We got to tell them.”

August 19, 2024: Miranda Lambert says Brendan McLoughlin got “misty-eyed” when he found out she recorded his song

During the COVID lockdown, Lambert and McLoughlin wrote several songs together — one of which landed on her latest albumPostcards from Texas.

“He wrote some of the greatest lines in [“Dammit Randy”],” she said during an appearance on theDumb Blondepodcast. “He won’t say it, buthe got a little misty-eyed[when he heard it]. He was like, ‘You cut my song?’ It was awesome. And it’s one of my favorites on the record.”

source: people.com