Just around one year after launching Backstage Country with Beasley Media Group and Key Networks, Shawn Parr is stepping away from the show. Country radio personality Kelly Ford will join Backstage Country as host starting on February 26.
Not much information was given about Parr’s sudden departure, outside of that is leaving the program to put his talents to use as a fundraiser for the charities he supports.
Ford previously hosted the Westwood One-syndicated Ty, Kelly & Chuck and was the first and only solo female morning show host in New York City Country radio on Audacy’s Country 94.7 (WNSH) where she also hosted a national ’90s Country show. She has won three CMA awards, an ACM Award, three Gracie Awards, and a Marconi.
Currently, Ford hosts The Kelly Ford Show: Nashville Truth podcast and has a rich background in artist interviews, live stage hosting, on-camera work for Extra TV, and content creation for her company, Force of Nature Creative.
Her debut episode of Backstage Country will feature guest hosts Lady A.
“As we welcome Kelly to the Backstage Country team, we want to thank Shawn Parr and his team for producing a top-notch syndicated radio show for the past three and a half years, with Shawn Parr’s Across the Country and Shawn Parr’s Backstage Country. Shawn has decided to take his love of raising money for the various charities he supports on the road using his voice as an emcee/auctioneer. We wish Shawn and his team all the best and thank them for their great work on these successful shows.”
Beasley Media Group Chief Content Officer Justin Chase said, “Kelly Ford is highly respected by the Nashville music community and loved by the fans of Country radio. We’re lucky to have her as part of the team building the Backstage Country radio show and BackstageCountry.com brand!”
Key Networks Chief Operating Officer Dennis Green commented, “We are excited to welcome Kelly Ford as host of Backstage Country and look forward to a brilliant new year with the energy and fun she brings to the show. Kelly’s authentic and personal approach to Country music and trademark wit make her a favorite with male and female Country fans of all ages.”
Ford remarked, “I’m thrilled to join Backstage Country and humbled to be co-hosting alongside Country music’s biggest stars. I’m incredibly grateful to Key Networks and Beasley Media Group for entrusting me with this incredible platform that creates a space where artists can open up and share their journeys with fans in a whole new way. I can’t wait to dive into their stories, and our shared love of Country music. Get ready for insider access to never-before-told stories, lots of laughter, and lots of fun!”
