Tennessee Lightning out Friday, Aug. 8, via Mountainrose Sparrow

Playing on the Grand Ole Opry Aug. 8

When Ashley Monroe needs a reminder of what she’s been through, she reads a letter she wrote as a teenager on the two-year anniversary of her father’s death. It is a manifestation of sorts — a prayer that she’ll be able to live out her dream of being a singer.

“Since I can’t change the past, the future is a very hopeful place for me,” reads one passage. “I want to be able to share my love with others. … Please Lord, stay with me and give me the chance to do this.”

Monroe has been doing a lot of looking back lately. The country singer-songwriter (who is also one-third of supergroup Pistol Annies alongside Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley) was diagnosed in 2021 with lymphopla

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