Seven Words of Wisdom: How Luke Combs’ Anti-Anxiety Mantra Saved Kacey Musgraves’ Festival Set

In a powerful moment of backstage solidarity, country stars Kacey Musgraves and Luke Combs—both known for their heartfelt lyrics and openness about mental health—shared a brief but impactful exchange that helped Musgraves overcome severe pre-show anxiety. Combs’ seven-word mantra not only calmed her nerves but also set the stage for what she called her “best festival set in two years.”

The Pre-Show Panic: “I Was Ready to Cancel the Show”

Before a major festival performance, Musgraves found herself overwhelmed by a panic attack, the pressure of the crowd and the enormity of the event weighing heavily on her. Feeling ready to cancel, she reached out to Luke Combs, a fellow artist who has been candid about his own struggles with Pure O (Purely Obsessional Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and mental health challenges.

The Mantra: “Don’t Let Them Steal Your Joy”

Combs’ advice was simple yet profound: “Don’t let them steal your joy.” These seven words served as a powerful reminder to separate the anxiety and intrusive thoughts—the “them”—from the genuine joy and connection that performing brings.

This mantra helped Musgraves regain her composure and focus, enabling her to embrace the moment and deliver a performance that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.

An Unforgettable Festival Performance

Thanks to Combs’ encouragement, Musgraves returned to the stage with renewed confidence, delivering a set hailed as one of her strongest in recent years. Though details of the specific festival remain private, the significance of this moment illustrates the vital role of peer support among artists facing the pressures of live performance.

More Than Just Words: Mental Health Advocacy in Country Music

This story highlights two important truths:

• Shared Experiences: Despite their success—Combs is a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and Musgraves a six-time Grammy winner—both artists confront intense anxiety, proving that mental health challenges affect everyone, regardless of fame.
• Breaking Stigma: Combs’ willingness to share his coping strategy strengthens the conversation around mental health in the music industry, inspiring others to seek help and find their own ways to manage anxiety.

Luke Combs’ simple yet effective mantra reminds us that even in the face of anxiety, joy can be reclaimed. For Kacey Musgraves, those seven words were the key to transforming a moment of doubt into a career-defining performance—one that showcased her resilience, talent, and heart.