Maren Morris Says New Song, “Dear Hate,” Was Inspired by the Charleston Shooting in 2015

Maren Morris performed during Day 2 of the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Sept. 30, one day before a gunman opened fire on the crowd during Jason Aldean’s headlining set, killing 59 people and injuring more than 500.

On Oct. 2, Maren released a new song, “Dear Hate,” and stated that some of the proceeds from the song will benefit the Music City Cares Fund, which was established by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to support the victims of the Las Vegas massacre. “Dear Hate,” which features vocals from Vince Gill, will be available for download on Friday, Oct. 6.

Maren talked to morning show Ty, Kelly & Chuck today (Oct. 3) for a segment that is slated to air on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 5:40 a.m. CT and 8:40 a.m. CT.

Maren told hosts Ty Bentli and Kelly Ford that “Dear Hate,” which she co-penned with Tom Douglas and David Hodges, was inspired by the Charleston shooting on June 17, 2015. During the shooting, a domestic terrorist opened fire on members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, killing nine adults.

“It’s sad, but we wrote it after the [Charleston] shooting,” said Maren. “Neither my co-writers or I wanted to really write that day, but Tom [Douglas] just had that title, ‘Dear Hate,’ and we got to talking and all of the sudden this song started forming—this really beautiful poem—and we just kind of fiddled around with some chords. By the end of the day, the demo was done and recorded. We just kind of all sat back and were out of breath, I think, from just how powerful the message was. It’s just such a particular theme and subject and it just never felt like the right time to release it [until now] because it is such a powerful message.”

Tune in to Ty, Kelly & Chuck on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 5:40 a.m. CT and 8:40 a.m. CT to hear Maren’s full interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=tUPR5-igTVY

photo by Jason Simanek

More from Magic 97.9

Beltane Fantasy Festival – May 10th, 2025

Beltane Fantasy Festival – May 10th, 2025

For More Information visit: https://expoidaho.com/event/beltane-fantasy-festival-5/ The Beltane Fantasy Festival presented by the Idaho Renaissance Faire is an annual family event held at Expo Idaho’s Carnival Grass Fields (near Hawks Stadium side) at 5610 Glenwood Street in Boise, Idaho. Beltane is a Scottish folklore celebration of Spring with faeries, elves and fantastical sights. Similar to a…

Regina Spektor on July 31st

Regina Spektor on July 31st

Regina Spektor is at the Revolution Concert House on July 31st! Tickets go on sale April 4th! To learn more visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1E00627CEC4E4DA0

Weird Al – August 9th, 2025

Weird Al – August 9th, 2025

Weird Al will be at the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater on August 9th, 2025! For tickets and more information visit: https://www.fordidahocenter.com/events/detail/weirdal25

Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads

Garratt Wilkin & The Parrotheads

May 24th, 2025 at the Revolution Concert House! To learn more and buy tickets visit: https://cttouringid.com/tm-event/garratt-wilkin-the-parrotheads/

James Taylor May 21st

James Taylor May 21st

The Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater will have An Evening with James Taylor on May 21st! For More tickets and more information visit: https://www.fordidahocenter.com/events/detail/jamestaylor

Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms 2025

Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms 2025

The Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors are coming to the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater August 26th! To learn more visit: https://www.fordidahocenter.com/events/detail/bluesgin25

Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, wind & Fire is at the Idaho Botanical Garden on June 17th! To purchase tickets or to learn more visit: https://www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/event/earth-wind-fire/