Chely Wright

Chely Wright, born Richell Rene Wright on October 25, 1970, in Kansas City, Missouri, is an American country music singer and activist. In 1995, she was named Top New Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music, following her debut album in 1994. Her first Top 40 hit, "Shut Up and Drive," arrived in 1997, and in 1999 she reached number one with "Single White Female." Over her career, she has released seven studio albums and charted over fifteen singles on country charts. By 2010, her previous eight albums and nineteen singles had sold over 1.5 million copies and accumulated 10 million digital impressions in the United States.

In May 2010, Wright came out as lesbian, making her one of the first major country music performers to do so publicly. She cited concerns about bullying and hate crimes toward gay teenagers, as well as the damage caused by "lying and hiding," as reasons for her decision. She has since been an advocate for LGBTQ issues.

At 55 years old, Wright stands 5'7" with blonde hair and brown eyes. She maintains an American nationality and identifies with the Caucasian ethnicity. Her career as a musician continues to be defined by her pioneering honesty and her impact on country music.