A Journey of Balance and Renewal
Jo Dee Messina, a name synonymous with country music, has always been known for her powerful voice and emotional storytelling. But in recent years, she’s taken on a new role — that of a mother, a mentor, and a woman rediscovering herself after a long hiatus from the spotlight. At 55, she’s navigating the delicate balance between personal growth, motherhood, and her return to music after a decade away.
The Road to Recovery
For Jo Dee, the journey back began not just with music, but with a commitment to her physical and mental well-being. “It’s leg day, but I am going to throw in a little infrared sauna later,” she says, describing her daily routine. “I have a trainer because she holds me accountable. I have to train every day or else I just get out of the habit of doing it.”
This discipline has paid off, both physically and mentally. However, Messina admits that her mental game is still a work in progress. “I’m exhausted,” she says. “I’m pouring out and pouring out and pouring out.” This sentiment resonates with many who find themselves in seasons of life where caring for others often takes precedence over self-care.
“I’m involved in their life. I volunteer at their schools,” she adds, highlighting the real-life challenges of raising two children with different interests and schedules. It’s a reality that often leaves her feeling invisible, questioning whether she matters.
A New Album: Bridges
Despite these challenges, Messina has found solace and inspiration in her new album, Bridges, set for release on June 5. This collection of songs explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and resilience, drawing from her own life experiences. “You can hear the guts,” she says of the album, which marks her first studio effort in over a decade.
The album’s current single, “Some Bridges,” is a poignant reflection on the importance of forgiveness. “I’m not saying don’t forgive, because it’s important for us to forgive those who have hurt us because that takes the weight off of us,” she explains. “But you can forgive from the opposite side of the bridge.”
Messina emphasizes that this perspective hasn’t come easily. “You can love someone without letting them destroy you,” she says. “Love doesn’t have to look like submitting yourself to constant abuse. You got to get to my age to figure that out. I’m just letting the young ones know.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
Messina has also become a mentor to young female country artists, sharing her experiences and offering guidance. “I have walked it,” she says. “I don’t want them to hurt like I hurt or feel the guilt that I felt for sometimes having to close the door. I don’t want them to feel the shame.”
Her message is clear: there are professional challenges in the industry, but they don’t have to define a woman’s worth or success. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower the next generation of artists to navigate their own paths with confidence and strength.
Reflections and Resilience
One of the standout tracks on Bridges is “Can Anybody,” a song that captures the lingering questions and doubts that still haunt Messina. “I still have selfish thoughts, and I still have ambition about certain things, and I sometimes sit with those things and then they consume me,” she says. “That’s when I put my focus on God. And then all of a sudden, there comes the peace and the joy and the grace and all the things He promises.”
This perspective has deepened significantly in recent years, especially following her cancer diagnosis in 2017. Though she is now in remission, the experience has left a lasting impact. “I’m doing well enough to only have to go for checkups once a year,” she says. “But yes, it’s still a day-to-day thing.”
Through it all, Messina remains grounded, embracing the challenges of motherhood, the lessons of life, and the power of music. Her journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
