Nate Smith shared some “tough” news in a statement on Wednesday (June 4).

The California Gold artist admitted he’s been “struggling with some vocal issues,” and had to cancel some of his appearances. Smith said, per doctor’s orders, he’s “on strict vocal rest” for a few weeks. This marks the first time the singer-songwriter is resting his voice in about five years, he said. The vocal rest also means he will no longer perform at CMA Fest, hailed the longest-running country music festival in the world, which is taking place this weekend in Nashville, Tennessee (and airing as a three-hour televised special later this month). Smith will also have to take a break from Jason Aldean’s headlining tour, which kicked off on May 23 and runs through early October.

“Hey friends,” Smith addressed his message to fans. He posted it on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon. “I have some news to share, and this one is tough for me. 2025 has already been such a blast, (and) I hope you know how seeing you all at my shows gives me so much life! While I’m currently on a dream tour with Aldean (still can’t believe I’m on this tour!), I recently had to cancel a few appearances after struggling with some vocal issues. After trying everything I could do and under the direction of my doctors, I’m now on strict vocal rest through the end of June. We’ve all come to the decision that the best way to get my voice fully back is to rest it for the first time in almost five years. This is the part that is so hard for me, because I have multiple bucket list shows coming up this month (including CMA Fest), and it breaks my heart knowing I won’t be there to see all of you! My commitment to everyone is to truly rest so I can get back out to do what I love more than anything. my voice will absolutely recover, and I’ll be dreaming of the road until then. Promise I’ll make it up to you! Love, Nate.”

Smith’s most recent song to release is “Dads Don’t Die” (plus a duet version with songwriter Emily Weisband), an emotional ballad that “absolutely wrecked me” when he heard it the first time, Smith said in a recent interview with iHeartCountry. He’s also known for “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” World on Fire,” “Bulletproof,” “Whiskey On You,” “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” with HARDY (and featuring actor and comedian Kevin James in the music video) and more. See his statement here:

Michelle Buckles