After the Golden Hour

For Rolling Stone’s third annual “Women Shaping the Future” issue, Kacey Musgraves appeared on our cover for the first time. Coming off of her recent divorce, the country singer opened up to senior writer Alex Morris about the healing, songwriting, and magic-mushroom trips that have gone into reshaping her path forward — and the making of her new Greek-tragedy-inspired album set for release this year [“Rebirth of Kacey Musgraves,” 1349]. Naturally, our readers had much to say. “This is incredible. So well written, and so good to hear her perspective on this new chapter,” wrote reader Evan Gravelle. “Her spirit is truly something,” Mikayla Jend said. “How and where does one take this guided mushroom trip? Inquiring minds want to know.” Candice Bomb spotted the influence of a country legend: “Is it me or does she look like a young brunette Dolly Parton right here?” Jaqueline Westman tweeted, “She’s still grounded, even with all the BS she’s been through. Still our Kosmic Kween.” Brandy Cain wrote, “Kacey dropping some absolute gems in this interview. She’s got another classic on her hands.” Others also had their minds on the new album. Travis Caballero tweeted, “Can’t wait to hear Kacey Musgraves’ version of Blood on the Tracks.” Some fans are already feeling emotional about it. “This one is going to rip me apart,” wrote Mike Ross. “I might as well accept it.”

“Kacey Musgraves is on the cover of the new ‘Rolling Stone.’ If you haven’t heard her music yet, this is your cue. Your life will be better for it.”

—Eric Alper, via Twitter