Country music star Zach Bryan captured fans’ attention not only for his soulful tunes but also for his high-profile relationship with podcast personality Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. Although fans frequently questioned if Bryan had ever married, he has yet to walk down the aisle. His relationship timeline with LaPaglia,
however, sparked much intrigue and speculation, even though they ultimately parted ways in October 2024. Here’s an in-depth look at Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry’s romantic journey, their public relationship, and the moments that defined their connection.
How Did Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry Meet?
The relationship between Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry began in May 2023, during the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. Both were in separate relationships at the time. They exchanged only a brief interaction, snapping a quick photo together, and soon went their separate ways. The initial meeting didn’t spark any romance, as both Bryan and LaPaglia were still with other partners.
However, things changed when LaPaglia attended Bryan’s New York City concert in June 2023. Impressed with his performance, she spoke highly of him in her podcast, which eventually led Bryan to reach out to her on social media. A few days later, after both had ended their previous relationships, the two started connecting more frequently.
The Start of Their Relationship and Going Public
By July 2023, rumors began circulating as fans noticed Bryan and LaPaglia spending more time together. In an episode of her podcast, PlanBri Uncut, LaPaglia finally confirmed their budding romance. She shared that the two had been “hanging out” for about three weeks and explained her decision to address their relationship publicly due to widespread speculation on social media.
The openness with which they shared their relationship quickly made them a popular couple online. Despite Bryan’s history of keeping his personal life private, he was often seen with LaPaglia in social media posts, both hers and his own. Over the following months, the couple became more visible, with LaPaglia frequently attending Bryan’s concerts and the two even making their red carpet debut together at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Facing Internet Criticism as a Couple
Like many public relationships, Bryan and LaPaglia’s romance faced its share of online criticism. LaPaglia was no stranger to internet “hate,” yet she embraced the attention with humor. During an interview at the Streamy Awards, she admitted that the constant online speculation took a toll initially, though she later found a way to cope with it.
Despite the challenges, she spoke fondly of Bryan and the impact he had on her. LaPaglia described him as “the nicest, most genuine person,” even recounting a memorable 18-hour road trip they took together, which solidified her admiration for him. According to LaPaglia, they barely turned on music during the trip, instead engaging in deep conversation—a testament to the unique bond they shared.
The Challenges and Milestones in Their Relationship
The couple’s connection grew stronger over time, culminating in several significant moments. In February 2024, Bryan and LaPaglia attended the Grammy Awards together, marking their first public red carpet appearance as a couple. The night was particularly special as Bryan took home his first Grammy award, an achievement LaPaglia proudly supported.
In May 2024, however, the couple experienced a setback when they were involved in a frightening ATV accident. Although both walked away with minor injuries, the crash left an emotional mark on them. LaPaglia recounted the experience on social media, sharing that they genuinely feared for their lives in the moment. This event further bonded the two, as they continued to support each other through difficult times.
Celebrating One Year of Love
In July 2024, Bryan and LaPaglia celebrated their one-year anniversary with heartfelt posts on Instagram. Bryan shared a sweet message, expressing his love and appreciation for LaPaglia and calling her one of the few people who could make him laugh. LaPaglia echoed his sentiments, sharing how deeply she cared for him and the happiness he had brought into her life.
This milestone marked one of the last happy moments for the couple, as they faced new challenges in the months that followed. By October, Bryan was candid about the emotional toll he had endured over the year, hinting that these struggles had taken a toll on their relationship.
The End of Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry’s Relationship
In October 2024, Bryan confirmed on his Instagram Stories that he and LaPaglia had decided to part ways. He spoke highly of her, expressing gratitude for the time they spent together and stating that he continued to hold “respect and love for her with every ounce of [his] heart.” In her own post, LaPaglia shared that she felt blindsided by the breakup, adding that she planned to take a social media hiatus to process the split.
Their breakup marked the end of a highly publicized relationship, though both expressed mutual respect and understanding. The decision was likely influenced by the challenges Bryan mentioned, including the hardships he faced throughout the year, which may have impacted his ability to maintain the relationship.
Conclusion
The relationship between Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry captured public interest for over a year, marked by shared moments of happiness and hardship. Despite the online criticism and challenges they faced, the two supported each other deeply, with LaPaglia becoming a cherished part of Bryan’s life.
While fans may have wondered if Bryan would take the next step in marriage, their relationship ultimately reached a heartfelt conclusion. Both individuals, however, expressed gratitude for their time together, leaving fans hopeful that each will find happiness in their separate paths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Zach Bryan married before dating Brianna Chickenfry?
No, Zach Bryan has never been married. While he has been in a few public relationships, including his recent one with Brianna Chickenfry, he has not walked down the aisle.
2. How did Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry meet?
They first met briefly at the ACM Awards in May 2023 when LaPaglia asked for a photo with Bryan. Later, after both had ended their previous relationships, they reconnected when Bryan messaged LaPaglia on social media following his New York City concert.
3. When did Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry break up?
Bryan and LaPaglia announced their breakup in October 2024. Bryan posted about it on his Instagram, stating that they decided to part ways after a challenging year.
4. Why did Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry break up?
Though they didn’t specify a single reason, Bryan mentioned having faced a difficult year personally, which likely influenced their decision to separate. Both continued to express respect and affection for each other even after the breakup.
5. Did Zach Bryan write any songs about Brianna Chickenfry?
While Bryan hasn’t confirmed writing songs directly about LaPaglia, fans speculated that certain lyrics from his 2023 self-titled album may have been inspired by her, particularly the line referencing the “Mercury Lounge” in his song “Smaller Acts.”