Sisters Danica, 33, and Devynn Hart, 26, along with their cousin Trea Swindle, 34, have taken their Mississippi roots—growing up in a faith-filled home of ministers—and mixed it with a Louisiana flair to win hearts in country music. Singing professionally since 2018 but together since childhood, they’ve turned their love for music into a fulfilling career that’s a family adventure.
The band was inducted into Country Music TV’s (CMT) “Next Women of Country,” joining the ranks of other amazing up-and-comers in the genre, and they’ve gone global, earning the honor of “International Group of the Year” and landing “International Song of the Year” in Scotland for their take on the classic “Jolene” song made famous by country icon Dolly Parton (and even more infamous by Queen Bey).
Their three-part harmony and soulful swag went viral when they wowed TV audiences and judges alike on America’s Got Talent in 2022, with the same song, “You Can Have Him Jolene,” proving to many that they’re in the industry to stay.
xoNecole caught up with the trio, taking a break to chat while on tour and gearing up for their upcoming Christmas album, to talk about faith, food, and longevity in country music and beyond:
xoNecole: You are a talented group of family members. What attracted you to choose the genre of country music?
Trea Swindle: We grew up in Poplarville, Mississippi, so country music was, kind of, just a way of life, and aside from that, growing up, it really didn’t matter where you were. You were going to hear country music all day, every day, from the classrooms to the grocery stores, to run on the bus, just anywhere you go. It was the one genre of music that really resonated with the way that we live.
xoN: Yeah, people think that Black people and country music is something new, but it’s always been common. I grew up between Virginia and New York, hearing and loving country music since childhood. So, you all had a major early career-boosting moment on 'America's Got Talent.' What was the one major takeaway from that experience from each of you when it comes to growth and your personal experience at that time?
Devynn Hart: I believe that one of the main things that we took away from AGT, that entire experience, was just learning to trust our gut and going with our heart. When we initially went to AGT for auditions, we didn't even plan to sing “You Can Have Him Jolene.” We initially had “Nine To Five” set up. It was right until the very last moment that we were like, ‘You know what, if we're gonna do this, let's go with the song that is ours, and let's take a chance on ourselves.’ That was such a big thing for us. And I think from there moving forward. We've just kind of taken that same idea of learning to trust our gut moving forward.
Danica Hart: We’d been playing that song for a year in Nashville before we got to AGT. And, you know, we'd been trying to get people to hear it. We were trying to pitch it. The thing that resonated with us is that, from that very moment, we thought that this should be a song to say, after 30 years, that you can just have him, Jolene. You can have him.
This song was so special to us. And, like, we were really willing to stand 10 toes down, so, [in] the moment, we knew that this was special, and it would be special if we performed it. We were going to have to take a chance on ourselves. And if we failed— if the judges hated it—at least it was our song and we could walk away with the information that we had.
"The thing that resonated with us is that, from that very moment, we thought that this should be a song to say, after 30 years, that you can just have him, Jolene. You can have him."
xoN: Well, it was a good decision because it was definitely a hit. Now, what's the best advice that you've gotten about succeeding in the business, now that you all are really picking up speed and you know, have been in the industry?
Trea: Darius Rucker (multiplatinum singer-songwriter of Hootie & the Blowfish fame) reached out to us even before AGT— before a lot of people knew who we were. He’s reminded us to, one, stay true to ourselves and to not be afraid to take chances and be open to new opportunities— to be confident in yourself enough to know when to say no to an opportunity that's not right to you. And so it's all about authenticity. And it's all about you know, what's going to serve you and your career.
Danica: Yeah, he tells us the importance of finding the right team, finding the people who fight for you, finding the people who work hard for you. Sometimes it's saying no to team members. It [could be] people who you like but they may not work hard for you.
And so it's finding the people who are knowledgeable about the way that you're doing it, you know, as independent artists. Having the right team is important. We don't have a very big team, but we've got we've got people who work hard for us.
Joseph Okpako/WireImage/Getty
xoN: Oh, yes. And that was evident because your team reached out to us when they saw you all were mentioned in a roundup we ran. That meant a lot. Speaking of the best advice, as Black women in country music, what is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced early in your careers and how have you approached overcoming it?
Danica: I think the hardest thing about being Black women in the industry, the first part, is just about being women. I think that country music has seen, over the last 100 years, that if you can take a man and put him in a T-shirt and tight jeans, and put them on stage, people will buy.
You always hear about the statistics of women being played on radio and women, you know, not really having the same opportunities as men. And like I said, I think it's just done out of familiarity. They know what sells tickets and what makes money. That's the hard part and then also being Black.
[We’re] three women and [we’re] Black, you know, so I think sometimes we sit on the outskirts of the music industry only because it's not something that any of the labels have ever done. They've never signed or booked a Black female trio.
Sometimes we have to work a little extra hard to get out there, you know… trying to find those keys that unlock the doors that aren't accessible to us right away.
It’s been obstacles, but Trea has a saying where she goes, ‘We turn no to no-tivation.’ So, if they say, ‘Oh, sorry. There's not enough seats at this event or that event. And we go okay, no problem. And then we find a friend, we make a friend, and I tell you, it’s crazy how God always works things out in our favor.
xoN: Love that term, ‘no-tivation’! Now, let’s get into your pre-performance routine. What do you all do to prep before shows?
Devynn: A lot of people always think that eating before the show—they can't do it because of their nerves, but if I don't eat before a show, it is not gonna be nice. [Laughs] I gotta eat before the show.
Trea: Yes! [Laughs]
Danica: We also pray before we go on. There's something about that prayer before going out on stages that centers us. Our stage time is our ministry.
xoN: Love it! Prayer and food—a good combo. You can’t go wrong. Now, what do you all want your legacy to be in country music?
Danica: We want women and little girls to say, ‘Look, if they can do it, I can.’ People told us we were too old to be trying to make a career in music. They told me I was too big and Trea was too skinny and too bald-headed. Anything you can think about, they’ve said, yet here we are.
And so if you can get over all those obstacles, you can get over what people believe about you, and hone in to what you believe about yourself. I want to show people that it can be done and you can do good. You can be good in the world.
For more on Chapel Hart, visit their website and follow them on Instagram @chapelhartband.
Featured image by Taylor Hill / Contributor/Getty Images
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert