Dave Barnes Inks With Capitol CMG Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Kent Draughn, Ellie McKay, Emily Belue, Dave Barnes, Katie Barolak, Terryl Padilla, Austin Jones, Isabel Newell and David Gutekunst

Singer-songwriter Dave Barnes has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing.

A Grammy-nominated songwriter, Barnes has notched over 100 cuts over his career. He has penned hits for Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Dan + Shay, Carrie Underwood, NEEDTOBREATHE, Billy Currington and more. Barnes has had two No. 1 hits at country radio with Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” and Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris’ “Craving You.” His other notable cuts include Dan + Shay’s “You,” Lady A’s “Like A Lady,” and Bethany Dillon’s “All I Need.” As an artist, he has collaborated with Lindsey Stirling, Ingrid Michaelson and Ben Rector, among others.

“I am incredibly excited to partner with Dave,” says Katie Barolak, Capitol CMG Publishing Senior Director of Creative. “I’ve been a fan of his lyrical and melodic sensibilities for years, and to be able to walk alongside him in this next chapter is a dream come true. He’s a musical force to be reckoned with, carries a remarkable work ethic, and is one of the best people in the business. It’s an honor to welcome him to the Capitol CMG Publishing family!”

“I’m thrilled to be writing with Capitol,” adds Barnes. “Katie and the team have been such a joy to get to know, and I really admire the way they approach publishing. They cast a wide net with the kinds of songs they pitch and encourage me to write. Knowing that Capitol is beginning to push into the country market, as well as other genres, is especially exciting to me as I love writing so many different types of music. It couldn’t be a better time to step into this new season with a team that’s already shown so much support and enthusiasm.”

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Announce 2026 Tour Dates

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Jason Isbell. Photo: Christy Bush

Jason Isbell has announced a new 2026 tour with his band the 400 Unit, in addition to his recently announced solo tour across North America.

Kicking off in Seattle on Jan. 23, the tour will stop through some of America’s most beloved venues, including the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, (where the band will be supported by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings,) a Radio City Music Hall date in New York City with Alejandro Escovedo, and many more. Tickets for the new shows will go on sale this Friday, (Oct. 31) via JasonIsbell.com/shows.

Isbell reissued his album Something More Than Free via his own Southeastern Records in July to celebrate 10 years of the Grammy-winning studio album. The newly-remastered edition comes with updated mixes and a previously unreleased B-side “Should I Go Missing.”

All Tour Dates (newly-announced dates are bolded):
November 7: Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
January 14, 2026: Durham Performing Arts Center – Durham, NC +
January 15, 2026: Hylton Performing Arts Center – Manassas, VA +
January 16, 2026: Ovens Auditorium – Charlotte, NC +
January 17, 2026: The Classic Center – Athens, GA +
January 23, 2026: Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
January 24, 2026: Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
January 26, 2026: Sacramento, CA – Channel 24
January 28, 2026: Santa Rosa, CA – Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
January 29, 2026: Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
January 30, 2026: Temecula, CA – Pechanga Theater
January 31, 2026: Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum Theatre
February 18, 2026: Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia Presented by Highmark
February 20, 2026: New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall + %
February 21, 2026: New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall @
February 22, 2026: New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
February 24, 2026: Cleveland, OH – KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square
February 25, 2026: Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre
February 27, 2026: Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
February 28, 2026: Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
March 1, 2026: Niagara Falls, ON – OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
March 2, 2026: Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center
March 4, 2026: Iowa City, IA – Hancher Auditorium
March 5, 2026: Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
March 6, 2026: Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
March 7, 2026: Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
March 13 – 20, 2026: Cayamo Cruise
March 25, 2026: SkyPAC (Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center) – Bowling Green, KY +
March 26, 2026: Robinson Center – Little Rock, AR +
March 27, 2026: Orpheum Theatre – Memphis, TN +
March 28, 2026: Murat Theatre at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN +
April 24, 2026: Sun, Sand, and Soul – Miramar Beach, FL =
April 26, 2026: Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
April 29, 2026: St. Louis, MO – The Fabulous Fox Theatre
May 1, 2026: Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
May 2, 2026: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
May 3, 2026: Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
May 20, 2026: Winspear Opera House – AT&T PAC – Dallas, TX +
May 21, 2026: Winspear Opera House – AT&T PAC – Dallas, TX +
May 22, 2026: Long Center for the Performing Arts – Austin, TX +
May 23, 2026: Majestic Theatre – San Antonio, TX +
July 16, 2026: EKU Center for the Arts – Richmond, KY +
July 17, 2026: Tennessee Theatre – Knoxville, TN +
July 18, 2026: Tennessee Theatre – Knoxville, TN +
July 19, 2026: Brevard Music Center – Brevard, NC +
July 23, 2026: Grand Rapids, MI – TBA
July 24, 2026: Interlochen, MI – TBA
July 25, 2026: Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights
July 26, 2026: Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion
July 28, 2026: Lenox, MA – Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood ~
July 30, 2026: Washington, DC – Wolf Trap ~ #

* w/ Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
~ w/ Patty Griffin
+ Jason Isbell Solo
= w/ Tedeschi Trucks Band, Drive-By Truckers, Elles Bailey
% w/ Shelby Lynne
@ w/ Alejandro Escovedo
# On sale 2/27/26

Morgan Wallen Slates ‘Still The Problem Tour’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen will head out on his “Still The Problem Tour” in 2026, which will hit 11 different stadiums.

The trek will kick off on Apr. 10 at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium. The route will hit Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and more before wrapping on Aug. 1 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Brooks & Dunn, HARDY, Ella Langley and Thomas Rhett will rotate as direct support, with additional opening acts including Gavin Adcock, Flatland Cavalry, Hudson Westbrook, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Blake Whiten.

YouTube video

A portion of every ticket sold on the “Still The Problem Tour” will benefit the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports youth sports and music programs. Since its inception, the MWF has donated $600,000 worth of instruments to schools across the country. It has also donated $30,000 to the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Cares RBI program.

Pre-sale registration is open now through Nov. 6 at 10 p.m. local time here. Public on-sale will begin on Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. local time.

“Still The Problem Tour” Dates:
April 10- Minneapolis, Minn.- U.S. Bank Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
April 11- Minneapolis, Minn.- U.S. Bank Stadium w/ HARDY, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
April 18- Tuscaloosa, Ala.- Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Vincent Mason, Zach John King
May 1- Las Vegas, Nev.- Allegiant Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
May 2- Las Vegas, Nev.- Allegiant Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
May 8- Indianapolis, Ind.- Lucas Oil Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Hudson Westbrook, Zach John King
May 9- Indianapolis, Ind.- Lucas Oil Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Flatland Cavalry, Zach John King
May 15- Gainesville, Fla.- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
May 16- Gainesville, Fla.- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
May 29- Denver, Colo.- Empower Field at Mile High w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
May 30- Denver, Colo.- Empower Field at Mile High w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
June 5- Pittsburgh, Penn.- Acrisure Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
June 6- Pittsburgh, Penn.- Acrisure Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
June 19- Chicago, Ill.- Soldier Field w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
June 20- Chicago, Ill.- Soldier Field w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
July 17- Baltimore, Md.- M&T Bank Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Jason Scott & The High Heat
July 18- Baltimore, Md.- M&T Bank Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Jason Scott & The High Heat
July 24- Ann Arbor, Mich.- Michigan Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
July 25- Ann Arbor, Mich.- Michigan Stadium w/ HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
July 31- Philadelphia, Penn.- Lincoln Financial Field w/ ​​Brooks & Dunn, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
August 1- Philadelphia, Penn.- Lincoln Financial Field w/ Ella Langley, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten

Carrie Underwood Becomes Highest RIAA Certified Female Country Artist

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Pictured (L-R): Robert Femia (COO & EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA), Jackie Jones (SVP Artist & Industry Relations, RIAA), Carrie Underwood, Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA) Katie McCartney (EVP / General Manager, MCA) and Stephanie Wright (EVP / Head of A&R, MCA).

Carrie Underwood has been named the highest RIAA certified female country artist of all time. She has sold 95 million units (22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles) in the US alone across solo titles and collaborations.

“Accomplishments like this are more than I would have ever dared to dream of when I was starting out,” says Underwood. “I owe everything to the fans, who have literally voted for me from the beginning of my career and have showed up and given me so much love for over 20 years. I feel truly blessed.”

“This monumental achievement solidifies Carrie Underwood’s legacy as a generational talent and a true titan of the music industry. Becoming the highest RIAA certified female country artist of all time is a testament to the unparalleled connection Carrie shares with fans and the enduring power of her artistry,” adds Mike Harris, President & CEO, MCA.

The MCA team presented Underwood with a plaque following her performance at the Grand Ole Opry last week to celebrate the accomplishment. Her highest RIAA certifications include her 9x Platinum debut album Some Hearts, singles “Before He Cheats” (11x Platinum), “Blown Away” (5x Platinum), “Cowboy Casanova” (4x Platinum), “All-American Girl” (3x Platinum), “Church Bells” (3x Platinum) and platinum and multi-platinum collaborations, including her most recent, “I’m Gonna Love You” with Cody Johnson (Platinum).

Additionally, Underwood’s original holiday song from her 2021 holiday album, My Gift (Special Edition), “Favorite Time Of Year,” has been certified Gold.

On The Row: Ashland Craft Brings Songs & Stories To MusicRow

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Ashland Craft. Photo: Easton Jay

Ashland Craft recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a few songs and stories.

The Piedmont, South Carolina native began playing in bars at 17 years old, before first making a name for herself as a contestant on The Voice, finishing the show in the top 10. She moved to Nashville one year later, and after another seven, the Leo33 artist released her second album, Dive Bar Beauty Queen, earlier this year.

Craft kicked off with the sassy “Yard Sale” and “Happy Drunk.” She ended her time with her current radio single, “Kick Rocks Cowboy,” which she wrote alongside Jonathan Singleton and Shane Minor.

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink and Madison Hahnen, Ashland Craft, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, LB Cantrell and John Nix Arledge.

“I think the ultimate thing about the cowboy way of life is the manners and the way you treat people. So many things that are so basic people seem to have forgotten. I’d be a lot more forgiving of the cowboy hats if the attitude matched,” she joked.

Inspired by the sounds of George Jones, Shania Twain, Chris Stapleton and more, Craft co-penned ten of the album’s 11-tracks alongside Trannie Anderson, Kasey Tyndall and Erik Dylan, among others. The album, produced by Craft, Jess Grommet and Lee Starr, explores themes of life’s highs and lows.

As for what she hopes fans will take from her music, Craft says, “The same thing I grew up connecting to music over, which is that you are not alone. You are not the only one who has experienced a lot of what you have experienced in life. There are other people who want to show up and connect with you.

Craft will wrap her “Dive Bar Beauty Queen Tour” this weekend. She is set to join next year’s lineups at Gulf Coast Jam and Lakes Jam 2026, along with additional appearances to be announced.

 

@musicrowmag MusicRow’s Q&A with @Ashland Craft ♬ Morning Person – Ashland Craft

Peter Daniel Newman Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville & Showbiz Ro Music

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(L-R, back row): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Cam Caldwell (SMP), Scott Safford (Attorney) and Rusty Gaston (SMP). (L-R, front row): Ronna Reeves (Showbiz Ro), Peter Daniel Newman and Liz Morin (Showbiz Ro).

Juno-nominated songwriter and producer Peter Daniel Newman has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Sony Music Publishing and Showbiz Ro Music,” says Newman. “From my very first conversation with Rusty [Gaston], I knew this would be the right fit—his passion for music is both inspiring and contagious. Newfoundland, where I grew up, has a rich history of songwriting and Irish folk music. I am proud that those Newfoundland roots have carried me all the way to Music Row. I am deeply grateful to Rusty, Liz [Morin], and Ronna [Reeves] for their support and belief in me, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Newman works with Canadian and Nashville-based artists, and overseas. In the early 2000s, Newman worked with Clint Black and Blacktop Music Group, launching his career. Also notably, Newman worked on Megan Moroney’s “Georgia Girl” and Parmalee’s “Cowgirl.” He also has cuts with Tyler Booth, Austin and Colin, David Guetta, Todd Tilghman, High Valley, Meghan Patrick, Nathan Carter and Damien McGinty. He has also produced for The Secrets, Jason Greeley and Kellie Loder, among others.

“We began working with Peter in 2022, his versatility as a writer and producer caught our attention and has been a game changer for our partnership ever since,” shares Showbiz Ro Music Co-Founders Liz Morin and Ronna Reeves. “We have celebrated multiple cuts together including Megan Moroney’s “Georgia Girl” and Parmalee single “Cowgirl.”  Thanks to Rusty Gaston, we have been given the amazing opportunity to partner with the whole Sony Music Publishing team, and we know that this new venture together will be an incredible journey for all.”

“Peter is driven, determined, and destined for a long and successful career on Music Row,” adds Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO. “It’s incredible to be celebrating his first Top 10 country single already. He’s built a strong foundation alongside Liz and Ronna, and I have no doubt the three of them will continue to make magic.”

Dan Rogers Receives Susan G. Komen Promise Award At 17th Annual Opry Goes Pink

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Joshua Daniel, Sr Director, Entertainment Engagement and Events and April Douglas, Executive Director for Tennessee with Susan G. Komen® awarded Dan Rogers, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of the Grand Ole Opry, with the 2025 Promise Award, recognizing his commitment to Komen’s mission to end breast cancer. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry and Susan G. Komen joined forces in the fight against breast cancer at the 17th Annual Opry Goes Pink event last weekend.

Amy Grant flips the switch on the Opry’s signature barn turning it pink for the night. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Amy Grant flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night’s performances, which included Opry members Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett, The Whites and Riders In The Sky, as well as Sophia Scott. $5 from every ticket sold for the show was donated to Susan G. Komen to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

During the evening, Susan G. Komen surprised Dan Rogers, Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of the Grand Ole Opry, with the 2025 Promise Award, recognizing his commitment to Komen’s mission to end breast cancer.

The Promise Award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in the fight to help end breast cancer through their philanthropy, advocacy and commitment to reaching those impacted by the disease. Created in honor of the promise made by Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker to end breast cancer forever, the award celebrates extraordinary leadership and impact and has recognized global changemakers including Dolly Parton and Trisha Yearwood.

Cooper Alan Slates 2026 ‘To The Pub Tour’

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Cooper Alan. Photo: Curt Simshauser

Cooper Alan will hit the road on his “To The Pub Tour” next spring, kicking off on April 17 in Dublin. The tour will make stops in Dublin, Belfast, London, Manchester, and more before wrapping in Glasgow. Tickets will go on sale on Friday (Oct. 31).

“This UK Tour has been a long time coming! These cities have been high on my list for years and I’m so pumped we can finally make it over there to party with some of the folks that have supported me the strongest over the years. Some of the best country fans in the world! It’s gonna be a blast,” shares Alan.

Additionally, Alan will make his Ryman Auditorium debut on March 28. Tickets can be found here.

“As a lifelong country music fan, the Ryman has always been a bucket list venue to play,” he says. “This is the kind of stuff you dream of when you move to Nashville. It will be such an honor to be in that building and on a stage that’s been rocked by so many of my heroes. So thankful to my fans that have supported me for years to be able to reach this milestone!”

He is set to release his debut 20-track record, Winston-Salem, on Nov. 7. Split into two sections, the project reflects on family, fatherhood and personal roots, while also featuring rowdy tracks that Alan is known for.

“To The Pub Tour” Dates:
April 17th, 2026 – Dublin, IE – The Academy
April 18th, 2026 – Belfast, NI – Ulster Hall
April 21st, 2026 – London, UK – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
April 24th, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
April 25th, 2026 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy
April 26th, 2026 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz
April 28th, 2026 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanizers

Live Nation Reveals New 4,400-Capacity Music Venue In Nashville

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The Truth rendering

Live Nation has announced that they are opening a new music venue in Nashville called The Truth. The 4,400 capacity indoor music venue is set to open fall 2026 in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood.

“The legendary songwriter Harlan Howard said all you need for a good country song is three chords and the truth. The Truth is built on that same idea,” says Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music & Business Strategy, Live Nation. “Our goal is to create a space that could only exist here—where raw, honest music meets world-class production, and where fans and artists from across all genres can connect in a way that feels unmistakably Nashville.”

The Truth rendering

Designed by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group, The Truth will feature a flexible floor plan with three levels of fans close to the stage, accommodating both standing-room and fully seated shows. The venue seeks to reflect Nashville’s creative DNA, from the inclusion of Harlan’s, a whiskey bar honoring the legendary songwriter, to the Vinyl Room, an exclusive two-story listening lounge celebrating the neighborhood’s deep vinyl roots.

As part of its launch, Live Nation is investing in Nashville’s creative community through multi-year commitments to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the W.O. Smith Music School.

“NSAI is excited that Live Nation is recognizing Nashville songwriters as the backbone of our music community,” shares Bart Harbison, Executive Director, NSAI. “From naming their amazing new venue, ‘The Truth,’ derived from legendary songwriter Harlan Howard’s famous saying, to lyric displays and other songwriter recognitions inside the remarkable facility, the space will highlight the important contribution of songwriters to the industry ecosystem. In addition, Live Nation’s generous financial support for NSAI will help us continue the work we do for the songwriting profession. We are very enthusiastic about the possibilities we can employ as we work together.”

The Truth is projected every year to generate $74 million in economic impact, support 430 jobs, and contribute $6 million in state and local tax revenue.

The Truth rendering

“The backbone of Music City is the songwriters that put words to our feelings, stories, and joys. I’m excited that The Truth will be a venue that is dedicated to cultivating and supporting great songwriting,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell says. “When I expressed interest in music at a young age, the W.O. Smith Music School helped cultivate my passion, and allowing more folks to have that opportunity is a great way we ensure all Nashvillians can follow their Music City dreams.”

“Culturally, we see The Truth as a connector,” Williams shares. “Our partnerships with the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the W.O. Smith Music School are about investing in Nashville’s next generation of creators. Together, those programs will create opportunities for mentorship, performance, and inspiration right here in the neighborhood, ensuring that The Truth contributes to the city’s creative pipeline as much as its skyline.

“Long term, our hope is that The Truth becomes an anchor for Wedgewood-Houston, a gathering place where artists, neighbors, and the music industry intersect; where the creative class continues to thrive and where the spirit of Nashville keeps evolving.”

Matt Geroux Inks With Position Music

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Pictured (L-R): Chandler Thurston (A&R, Position Music), Chief Zaruk (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), Matt Geroux, Simon Tikhman (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), and Jamie Sudhalter (Head of A&R, The Core)

Award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux has signed a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core.

Geroux has cemented himself in Nashville by combining pop and rock influences into modern country music. Geroux also has a knack for creating melodies, alongside his storytelling, recently notching his first No. 1 hit with Josh Ross’ “Single Again.” Across all his cuts, Geroux has garnered 500 million streams.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Matt to the Position crew in Nashville,” says Chandler Thurston, Position Music A&R. “The combination of his writing/production, along with his hustle, make him one of the town’s most dynamic writers. Big thanks to the team at The Core for their partnership – we’re excited to continue working alongside them as things build.”

“Position instantly felt like family and now having them join forces with my home team at The Core makes this moment even more meaningful,” shares Geroux. “I’m grateful to have champions that believe in my songs as much as I do and excited for what’s to come.”

“We’ve always believed in surrounding ourselves with partners who understand our vision, and the team at Position couldn’t be a better fit for Matt,” add Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Their passion and commitment are exactly what he deserves, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.”