Who Is Chely Wright? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 25, 1970, Chely Wright is a talented American country music singer, songwriter, and author. As of 2025, she is 54 years old. Chely gained widespread recognition during the late 1990s and early 2000s with her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Not only is she known for her music, but she has also made headlines for her courageous decision to come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, becoming one of the first openly gay country artists. Her journey continues to inspire many, and she remains an influential figure in both music and activism.
| Occupation | Country Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Chely Wright's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Chely Wright stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs around 135 pounds (61 kg). Her body measurements are approximately 36-28-36 inches, showcasing a healthy and balanced physique. Chely's style is as distinct as her music, often seen in chic yet casual outfits that highlight her personality and artistic spirit.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chely Wright has been fairly open about her personal life. She married musician Lauren Blitzer in 2011, and the couple welcomed twins via surrogacy in 2013. In 2025, they continue to share a loving and supportive relationship, navigating the complexities of parenthood and their individual careers while standing as a strong example of love and acceptance in the entertainment industry.
At her commercial zenith, Wright continued living a closeted life and became increasingly unhappy. She engaged in a long-term relationship with a woman but ultimately separated at the risk of being outed by members of the Nashville community. In 2006, Wright began suffering an emotional collapse and nearly took her own life.
She then realized she needed to come out publicly and started working on projects that would help her come to terms with her homosexuality. In 2010, Wright released the memoir, Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer, and the album, Lifted Off the Ground. Both projects centered around her coming out process and the acceptance of herself.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Chely Wright's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. Her wealth is attributed to her successful music career, which includes hit albums and singles, along with numerous awards. Additionally, Chely has ventured into writing, with her memoir titled "Like Me," which further contributes to her earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Chely Wright began her career in the 1990s, quickly rising to fame with hits like "Single White Female" and "Shut Up and Drive." Throughout her career, she has released several albums and has been a constant presence in the country music scene. In addition to her music career, Chely is an activist and philanthropist, focusing on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. She is also involved in various business ventures, including songwriting and producing music, as well as hosting events that promote inclusivity within the industry.
Wright was signed to a publishing deal as a songwriter, which helped secure a recording contract as a recording artist with PolyGram/Mercury Records in 1993. Wright chose to keep her sexuality hidden from her record label and buying public, a theme which continued throughout her commercial career.
She collaborated on her first album with Nashville producer, Harold Shedd. In a mutual agreement, Shedd agreed that Wright's persona would not be centered around being "a [music] video babe," but instead regarded for her artistic work as a country music artist.
In 1994, Wright's debut studio album was released through the label titled Woman in the Moon. The album would receive critical acclaim, despite limited success. The project spawned three singles ("He's a Good Ole Boy," "Till I Was Loved by You" and "Sea of Cowboy Hats") that all peaked outside the top 40 of the Billboard country chart.
The album helped Wright win Top New Female Vocalist at the 1995 Academy of Country Music Awards. Wright recalled in her memoir that she had low expectations of winning and was shocked to receive the accolade. "I had not prepared a speech for that night, but I'd been rehearsing one since I was a little girl," she commented.
Social Network
Chely Wright is active on social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and promotes her music and philanthropic efforts. She has a substantial following on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she shares glimpses of her personal life, updates about her upcoming projects, and messages of empowerment and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Wright became involved in LGBT activism following her 2010 decision. During that time she moved to New York City and released a documentary which chronicled her coming out titled, Wish Me Away. She would later establish a charity "Like Me", which helped provide assistance to LGBT youth. She has since been a spokesperson for programs such as GLSEN.
In recent years, she has held the role of Unispace's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer. Wright would also marry and have two children. Wright also continued her music career, but transitioned more towards Americana and folk. She has since released 2016's I Am the Rain and 2019's Revival.
Education
Chely Wright graduated from the University of Missouri, where she cultivated her passion for music and honed her songwriting skills. Her educational background laid the foundation for her successful career in the competitive world of country music.
In summary, Chely Wright continues to thrive in her career and personal life in 2025, balancing her music, family, and advocacy work while remaining a beloved figure in the hearts of many of her fans.
Raised in Kansas, Wright developed aspirations to become a country singer and songwriter. Yet, as a young child, she discovered her homosexuality and realized it conflicted with her Christian faith and her hopes of becoming a performer. Determined to become successful, she vowed to hide her sexuality and continued performing.
Wright moved to Nashville, Tennessee, following high school graduation and was cast in stage productions at the now-defunct Opryland USA amusement park. She eventually signed her first recording contract in 1993 with PolyGram/Mercury Records and released two albums.
With limited success, Wright switched record labels and had her first hit with 1997's "Shut Up and Drive". It was followed in 1999 with "Single White Female," and a gold-certified album of the same name.
