Dan + Shay—stylized with a plus sign rather than the word “and”—have become one of the most recognizable names in modern country-pop. Formed in 2012 in Nashville, the duo blends heartfelt songwriting, powerhouse vocals, and pop-ready production that has taken them from small-town writers to Grammy-winning superstars.
Their success has not come without challenges. From creative burnout to viral misinformation about their personal lives, Dan and Shay have had to navigate both the highs of superstardom and the lows of public scrutiny. This article provides a comprehensive, fact-checked account of their journey, achievements, personal lives, and the truth about circulating rumors—particularly the false claim that one of their wives had died.
The Beginning: How Dan and Shay Met
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Dan Smyers grew up in Pennsylvania, with a strong background in both pop-rock and country. He studied finance at Carnegie Mellon University before moving to Nashville to pursue music.
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Shay Mooney, from Arkansas, initially pursued a solo career and had signed a publishing deal with Nappy Boy Entertainment (founded by T-Pain).
In December 2012, fate brought them together at a Nashville party. They clicked musically almost instantly, writing songs the very next day. Within months, they were securing a publishing deal, and soon after, a record contract with Warner Bros. Nashville.
Career Timeline in Detail
2013–2014: The Breakout Years
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Debut single: “19 You + Me” (2013).
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The track climbed country radio charts quickly, noted for its breezy imagery and romantic nostalgia.
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Led to their first album, Where It All Began (2014).
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Singles included “Show You Off,” “Nothin’ Like You,” and “Stop Drop + Roll.”
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Established their signature style: accessible lyrics, strong harmonies, and polished production.
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2016: Growing Pains and Obsessed
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Sophomore album Obsessed (2016).
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Best-known single: “From the Ground Up”, inspired by the marriages of their grandparents.
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Other notable tracks: “How Not To.”
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While successful, this era did not yet achieve the crossover dominance that would come later.
2018: The Self-Titled Turning Point
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Album: Dan + Shay (2018).
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“Tequila” became a massive hit, reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100—rare for a country act at the time.
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Awards: Won the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2019.
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“Speechless” became equally popular, a wedding staple and multi-platinum hit.
2019–2021: Global Success with Justin Bieber
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Collaborated with Justin Bieber on “10,000 Hours” (2019).
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Achievements:
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Debuted at #4 on Billboard Hot 100.
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One of the most-streamed country songs ever.
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Won the Grammy Award in 2021 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
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Album Good Things (2021) continued their success, featuring tracks like “Glad You Exist.”
2022–2023: Crisis and Renewal
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The duo admitted they were near a breaking point in 2022, almost ending the partnership.
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They regrouped and recommitted, resulting in the 2023 album Bigger Houses.
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Emphasized live instrumentation and simplicity.
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Lead single: “Save Me the Trouble.”
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Critics praised it as a mature return to form.
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2024–2025: Expanding Influence
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Became the first-ever coaching duo on NBC’s The Voice in Season 25 (2024).
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Launched the Heartbreak On The Map Tour in early 2024, headlining arenas across the U.S.
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Continue to release music and tour in 2025, while balancing family life.
Discography in Depth
Studio Albums
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Where It All Began (2014)
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Debut, full of youthful optimism.
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“19 You + Me” set the stage for their radio presence.
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Obsessed (2016)
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More mature themes, heartfelt ballads like “From the Ground Up.”
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Dan + Shay (2018)
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Their most important pivot album.
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Includes “Tequila,” “Speechless,” “All to Myself.”
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Good Things (2021)
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A polished, pop-heavy project.
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Standouts: “10,000 Hours,” “Glad You Exist.”
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Bigger Houses (2023)
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Reset album. Stripped-down, live-band feel.
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Songs: “Save Me the Trouble,” “Heartbreak on the Map,” “We Should Get Married.”
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Awards and Achievements
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Grammy Awards: 3 (2019, 2020, 2021).
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Billboard Music Awards: Multiple wins, including Top Country Duo/Group.
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RIAA Certifications:
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“Tequila”: 8× Platinum.
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“10,000 Hours”: Multi-platinum, among the most-streamed country tracks.
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Streaming Records: At release, “10,000 Hours” broke records for the biggest streaming debut by a country track.
Performance Style and Influence
Dan + Shay’s musical identity rests on three pillars:
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Vocal Harmony — Shay’s lead vocals soar, while Dan provides harmonies and production expertise.
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Universal Themes — Love, devotion, gratitude, and nostalgia.
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Crossover Sound — Country roots blended with pop accessibility.
They’ve been compared to acts like Rascal Flatts but with a more contemporary, polished edge.
Touring and Fan Engagement
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Known for energetic live shows that emphasize vocal quality and audience participation.
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Heartbreak On The Map Tour (2024): U.S. arenas, supported by Ben Rector and Hailey Whitters.
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Fans: Loyal “Shayniacs” and broader pop audiences drawn in by collaborations with Justin Bieber.
Personal Lives
Dan Smyers
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Married Abby Law Smyers in 2017.
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Passionate about animal rescue; the couple fosters and adopts dogs.
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Celebrated 8th wedding anniversary in May 2025. [Verified]
Shay Mooney
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Married Hannah Billingsley Mooney in 2017.
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Family: Four children, with their youngest born in January 2025. [Verified]
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Shares openly about fatherhood and family life on social media.
The Viral Rumor: “Dan and Shay Wife Died”
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Claim: Viral posts suggested that one of their wives had passed away.
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Reality: There is no evidence of this claim. Both Abby and Hannah are alive.
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Recent verified events:
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Abby and Dan’s anniversary, May 2025.
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Hannah gave birth to her fourth child, January 2025.
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Conclusion: The rumor is false and misinformation.
Cultural Impact
Dan + Shay represent a new wave of Nashville artists who blur the line between genres. Their music appears on both country and pop playlists, making them ambassadors of crossover success.
Songs like “Speechless” have become staples at weddings, while “10,000 Hours” introduced them to millions of pop fans globally. Their influence shows how country music can thrive in a global streaming culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dan and Shay still together as a duo?
Yes. Despite a period of burnout, they continue recording and touring.
Did either Dan or Shay’s wife die?
No. This is a false rumor. Both are alive and active in family life.
What’s their latest album?
Bigger Houses (2023).
How many Grammy Awards have they won?
Three, all in the category Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Have they appeared on TV?
Yes. They were coaches on The Voice Season 25 (2024).
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Conclusion
Dan and Shay have become one of the defining acts of modern country-pop by blending heartfelt lyrics, cross-genre production, and vocal excellence. Their journey has not been without challenges—creative struggles, internet rumors, and the pressures of fame—but their resilience has kept them at the forefront of the industry.
Most importantly, misinformation about their families has been debunked: both of their wives are alive and well, with recent life milestones confirming it.
With a catalog of timeless songs, a global fanbase, and a commitment to authenticity, Dan and Shay stand as both artists and role models—balancing music careers with family values.
