Russell Dickerson plans first break in 12 years, aims to finish record in 2026

Russell Dickerson says he’s finally ready to slow down. After 12 years of non-stop work, the country singer revealed he plans to take a real break as his family prepares to welcome a new baby. During a recent appearance on Country Countdown USA, Dickerson said, “I’ve never taken a break in 12 years. But now, having this baby, we’re going to take some time off, until maybe around May. We’re gonna shut it down.”

Dickerson also laid out a recording goal for 2026: “I’m gonna have a record done before the end of the year, so we can have family time.” He tied that work to his plans to spend time with his wife, Kailey, and their third child, who is expected in December. The Country Countdown USA account does not give a release date for the record or announce a touring schedule after the break.

The singer also shared a bit of personal context behind the decision. He and his wife have been working on their “dream house” for the last two and a half years. Dickerson said the project began as a renovation, but their builder recommended scrapping it, which led to a new process and a longer wait. “Hopefully we’ll get in before this baby gets here,” he said. Dickerson added he isn’t ruling out a larger family down the road, saying four kids “seems feasible.”

The interview also touched on how the family is preparing for the new arrival. Dickerson said his sons know their mother is going to have a baby but do not yet understand what that means. Rad has a doll to practice holding, he said, and asks why the baby cannot arrive now. Asked whether the baby’s name would begin with “R” like his sons’ names, Dickerson said, “I think that’s enough,” adding that the couple had selected a name.

Sources: Country Countdown USA: Russell Dickerson interview | Taste of Country: recording and family plans