The three biggest country music divorces in 2026 all have one name in common: That’s Rose Palermo, who is representing the plaintiff in all three cases.
That’s right: Jelly Roll, Summer Pardi and RaeLynn — all of whom filed initial paperwork in their divorces from their respective spouses Bunnie Xo, Jon Pardi and Josh Davis — booked Palermo to represent them in court.
Is it just a coincidence that they all booked the same divorce lawyer? Probably not. Here’s why Palermo is such a popular choice for star divorces in Nashville.
Why Did Jelly Roll, Summer Pardi and RaeLynn All Choose the Same Divorce Lawyer?
Summer Pardi and RaeLynn are close friends in real life, and their divorces are happening on pretty similar timelines. It’s completely plausible that Summer, who filed in May, gave RaeLynn Palermo’s number before RaeLynn started her own divorce proceedings the following month.
But that’s not the only reason why they would want to book her. Simply put, Palermo’s reputation precedes her.
Who is Divorce Lawyer to the Stars Rose Palermo?
Rose Palermo is frequently named as one of Tennessee’s top family lawyers, and one of the most ruthless in divorce cases.
Palermo and her husband Denty Cheatham first opened their law office in 1973. She’s said that she didn’t necessarily intend to specialize in divorce cases, but they became her bread and butter.
She got an early-career spotlight on an episode of CBS’ 60 Minutes in 1979, where she spoke about a non-divorce case she took on for singer-songwriter Tim Nichols. The episode brought widespread attention to Palermo’s career, and helped establish her as a “bulldog” who was often feared by opposition in the courtroom.
For decades, she has maintained a reputation for fighting tirelessly to win her clients the best possible outcome in their divorce. She is close with high-profile families such as the Judds, and described Naomi Judd as a “dear friend” during the opening of a new mental health facility named after the late star in 2023.
Many in the legal world describe her as firm but fair, while others call her a fearsome presence in the courtroom, especially when the reasons for the divorce include infidelity.
Read More: Country’s Wild Mother’s Day Week: Two Divorces + a Wedding!
“One thing I don’t have much of a stomach for is when kids are involved,” Palermo once said of her work, according to the Nashville Scene. “But I can fight over a dollar any day of the week.”
In addition to a high-profile career that has included some of Nashville’s top stars as clients, Palermo successfully fought for the right to retain her maiden name after marriage, in the landmark Tennessee Supreme Court decision Dunn v. Palermo.
What Country Stars Have Hired Rose Palermo to Be Their Divorce Attorney?
Palermo has represented the following artists:
- Jason Isbell (in his divorce from Amanda Shires)
- Maren Morris (in her divorce from Ryan Hurd)
- Kacey Musgraves (in her divorce from Ruston Kelly)
- Kelsea Ballerini (in her divorce from Morgan Evans)
- Billy Ray Cyrus (in his divorce from Firerose)
- Tracy Lawrence (in his divorce from his first wife, Frances Weatherford)
- Wynonna Judd (in her divorce from her second husband, D.R. Roach)
- Conway Twitty (as a lawyer for his estate during high-profile family disputes over rights and royalties in the 2000s)
- Sweethearts of the Rodeo Janis Oliver (in her divorce from Vince Gill)
- Jewel (in her divorce from Ty Murray)
- Mel Tillis
- Ben Folds
Country Music Divorces and Breakups In 2026 [FULL LIST]
It doesn’t just seem like there have been a lot of country music divorces and breakups in 2026. We count five stunning splits so far and we’re only halfway there!
Here’s a list of all of the major divorces, including relevant dates and reasons when available.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes