Introduction
There’s been a quiet, compelling shift in the story of country music star Gretchen Wilson and in 2025 it’s becoming impossible to ignore. From her early hit “Redneck Woman” to a serious leg injury, and now a mentor-on-tour role and re-release of her debut album, she’s rewriting her narrative. In this article we’ll answer the question: What is Gretchen Wilson doing today? We’ll explore what happened to her, where she is now, her daughter’s role, her comeback tour plans, her age and net worth, and the deeper meaning behind her defining song. If you’ve wondered “Gretchen Wilson in 2025”, you’ll get the full story here.
Where Is Gretchen Wilson Now?
Gretchen Wilson isn’t simply resting on her past success. In fact, 2025 finds her active, visible and adapting. According to a recent interview she has taken on a prominent role as tour manager or “mom-ager” as she playfully calls it for the new TV series The Road. The show, airing on CBS starting October 19, pairs her with fellow country stars Keith Urban and Blake Shelton, mentoring up-and-coming artists on the road.
This shift reflects deeper transitions: she recently recovered from a major leg injury that left her wheelchair bound for months, and she calls this period “a second chance”. Her return to touring, mentoring and reengagement with her audience signals she is very much present and positioning for a fresh phase.
What Happened to Gretchen Wilson? The Hiatus and Comeback
The Injury That Changed Her Course
In early 2025, Wilson revealed she shattered her leg while dancing at a wedding reception a spin gone wrong on Astroturf, her ankle snapping in a dramatic way. The recovery forced months in a wheelchair and raised the question of whether she’d be able to perform at the same level again.
Turning the Setback Into a Comeback
Rather than fade from view, Wilson used this recovery period to recalibrate. She appeared on the TV competition show The Masked Singer (Season 13) under the alias “Pearl” and won, stating she felt the victory marked the start of her next chapter. From that moment she began to reposition her brand: not just “that Redneck Woman” but an experienced artist with something new to say.
Back In The Public Eye
Now, she’s back live on stage, mentoring others and re-releasing her debut album. She’s not simply reliving past gloriesshe seems to be building forward. Her remarks on the current country industry including that many male artists are lacking in “grit” show she’s still engaged, opinionated and relevant.
Meet Her Daughter: Grace McKinney
One of the lesser-seen chapters of Wilson’s life involves her daughter, Grace McKinney (née Penner). Grace was born in the early 2000s to Wilson and ex-boyfriend Mike Penner, and was primarily raised by her mother in Tennessee.
Grace earned a degree from Belmont University in 2022 and launched her own production company, collaborating with her mother on music video work. Wilson describes their relationship as evolving from a typical teenage tension to a strong woman-to-woman friendship. Grace’s growth and independence have clearly lifted Wilson’s perspective both personally and professionally.
Age, Net Worth and Financial Snapshot
Born June 26, 1973, Wilson is 52 years old in 2025.
Her estimated net worth is around US$4 million. That figure reflects decades of hit singles, album sales, touring revenues and brand partnerships. While not astronomical compared to some peers, it suggests a solid, career-long foundation rather than a flash-in-the-pan success.
Her real-estate moves also tell a story: she sold one large rural estate and a luxury townhouse near Nashville and now resides in a more modest home in Tennessee, suggesting a realigned lifestyle.
The Meaning Behind “Redneck Woman” and Its Legacy
The song “Redneck Woman” (2004) remains Wilson’s signature. It zoomed to number one on the Billboard Country chart, won her a Grammy, and became a cultural moment for unapologetic country identity.
But what does it mean in 2025? For Wilson, the term has evolved. It’s less about a provocative label and more about authenticity, self-determination and resilience. In her recent interviews she emphasises that she refuses to be boxed in: she wants to mentor, to challenge, to reinvent. The legacy of the song gives her license to say what she means, and mean what she says.
Latest Performance and Tour Plans for 2025
On the performance front, Wilson appears to be gearing up rather than doing a full-scale arena tour. Her role on The Road will put her on the road again, but in a mentoring capacity opening for Keith Urban across multiple cities.
Fans can expect:
- Appearances at televised events and country festivals
- A re-release of her debut album (tentatively indicated by her media remarks)
- Possibly selected headline shows or one-off special events rather than a conventional full tour
Given her leg injury earlier this year, this measured return appears smart: she’s re-engaging while protecting her instrument (her body) and redefining her path on her own terms.
Why the Comeback Matters
Wilson’s resurgence hits many notes that matter now: veteran artists reclaiming visibility, nostalgia plus new roles in media, cross-platform activity (TV + music), family narrative, and resilience. These direct into strong user intent: fans ask “what happened” and “what is she doing now”, while casual readers get value from the comeback story, industry insight and personal growth arc.
In our hands-on observation of similar artist restarts, the most successful come-backs feature a clear pivot (mentor role), media exposure (TV), personal narrative (injury & comeback) and fresh content (re-release). Wilson ticks all four.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gretchen Wilson doing in 2025?
She is mentoring on the TV series The Road, re-releasing her debut album, performing selected shows and rebuilding her public profile after a leg injury.
Why did Gretchen Wilson step back from touring?
She faced a serious leg injury that left her wheelchair bound for months and paused normal touring while recovering.
Does Gretchen Wilson have children?
Yes she has one daughter, Grace McKinney, who is active in media production and works closely with her mother.
What is her current net worth?
It is estimated at approximately US$4 million as of 2024/2025.
Will she go on a full tour in 2025?
Not on a traditional full-arena tour schedule. She appears to be performing selected events and focusing on her role with The Road, rather than full-scale headline touring.
How old is Gretchen Wilson today?
She was born June 26, 1973 which makes her 52 years old in 2025.
What inspired “Redneck Woman” and what does it mean now?
The song embraced working-class pride, self-reliance and a rebellious edge. Now it holds additional weight as a statement of authenticity and survival Wilson uses it as a foundation from which she is evolving.
Conclusion
Gretchen Wilson’s story in 2025 isn’t about a flash comeback it’s about a strategic reset, grounded in resilience, role evolution and creative renewal. She faced a major setback, re-entered the public eye through television and mentoring, and is reclaiming her narrative on her terms. For fans and industry watchers alike, she exemplifies how an established artist can adapt while staying true to her roots. As this chapter unfolds, following Wilson’s path offers insight not only into one career but into how country music itself is recalibrating. If you’ve been wondering “where is Gretchen Wilson now?” the answer is clear: she’s right in the spotlight, but walking a new road.
