Chris Stapleton's Super Bowl Ad and More Country Music News

JJ's Country Music Minute covers Stapleton's whiskey ad, Tim McGraw's new tour, and a 'O Brother Where Art Thou' tribute at the Grand Ole Opry.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:47am

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This week's country music news includes Chris Stapleton's 30-second Super Bowl ad for his Traveller Whiskey, Tim McGraw announcing his Pawn Shop Guitar tour, and the Grand Ole Opry planning a 25th anniversary tribute to the 'O Brother Where Art Thou' soundtrack.

Why it matters

Stapleton's Super Bowl ad will give his whiskey brand national exposure, while McGraw's tour and the Opry tribute highlight the continued popularity of country music and its artists. These events showcase the genre's ability to connect with both casual and devoted fans.

The details

Stapleton's Traveller Whiskey ad will air before the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, revisiting his iconic 2023 performance of the anthem. McGraw's Pawn Shop Guitar tour will feature supporting acts 49 Winchester and Timothy Wayne, with stadium shows also including The Chicks and Lady A. The Grand Ole Opry's 'O Brother Where Art Thou' tribute will feature artists from the original soundtrack as well as others.

  • Chris Stapleton's Traveller Whiskey ad will air during the Super Bowl on February 12, 2026.
  • Tim McGraw's Pawn Shop Guitar tour will run from August 2026 through September 2026.
  • The Grand Ole Opry's 'O Brother Where Art Thou' tribute will take place on February 28, 2026.

The players

Chris Stapleton

A country music singer-songwriter who is collaborating with Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley on a new whiskey brand called Traveller Whiskey.

Tim McGraw

A popular country music artist who is launching a new tour called the Pawn Shop Guitar tour, which will feature supporting acts 49 Winchester and Timothy Wayne.

The Grand Ole Opry

A renowned country music stage and show that is planning a 25th anniversary tribute to the 'O Brother Where Art Thou' soundtrack.

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What’s next

Fans can tune in to the Super Bowl on February 12, 2026 to see Chris Stapleton's Traveller Whiskey ad, and can purchase tickets for Tim McGraw's Pawn Shop Guitar tour starting in August 2026. The Grand Ole Opry's 'O Brother Where Art Thou' tribute will take place on February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

This week's country music news highlights the continued popularity and influence of the genre, with major artists like Chris Stapleton and Tim McGraw finding new ways to connect with fans through advertising, touring, and tribute performances. These events showcase country music's ability to adapt and remain relevant in the modern entertainment landscape.