Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend With This Strawberry Rose Cocktail

Ahhh, Memorial Day Weekend. It’s the unofficial declaration that summer’s begun and the ultimate excuse to throw a Memorial Day party where you can hang poolside with your friends, eating make-ahead recipes. But you know what would pair great with that delicious summer-inspired burger and your new polka-dot one-piece? A gin-tastic cocktail, that’s what. Enjoy the quenching taste of gin, rose water, strawberries, and bitters. Each sip will transport you to paradise and make you believe you’re on permanent vacay. It’s light and fruity and the perfect addition to any MDW BBQ sesh.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lemon
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 2-3 dashes orange bitters
  • 1/2 ounce rose water
  • 4-5 strawberries, muddled

Instructions:

1. Slice 4-5 medium to small strawberries and place them in a shaker.

2. With a muddler, carefully muddle the strawberries until they look like mush.

3. Squeeze half a lemon, 1/2 ounce of rose water, two ounces of gin, two to three dashes of orange bitters, and ice into the shaker.

4. Shake vigorously for a minute or two and carefully strain the cocktail through a sieve, into a cup.

5. Add ice and garnish with a strawberry and serve immediately.

Slice 4-5 medium to small strawberries and place them in a shaker. With a muddler, carefully muddle the strawberries until they look like mush. Squeeze half a lemon and 1/2 ounce of rose water.

Add ice and two to three dashes of orange bitters into the shaker. Shake vigorously for a minute or two and carefully strain the cocktail through a sieve, into a cup. Add ice, garnish with a strawberry, and serve immediately.

If your Memorial Day isn’t awesome after this drink, then maybe you need just one more.

Creating a cool Memorial Day Weekend drink? Share your ideas on Twitter @BritandCo, and follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

Like this cocktail? Check out our Summer Cocktail Roundup for more recipes and inspo!

Forget what Big Internet is telling you: you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a single dress. Target has tons of dress styles that rival that of Nordstrom and Reformation, available for way less. In fact, all of these Target party dresses are on sale right now through November 9. These luxe-looking designs will ensure your look is the talk of the party, no matter what you’re getting up to. From company Christmas parties to a New Year’s Eve night out, you’re most definitely going to find a dress fit for the occasion.

Our top 14 favorite Target party dresses for the 2024 season:

Target

A New Day Midi Lace Trim Dress

The chic v-neck on this silky midi dress is lined with a lace trim that make it all the more elegant. Pair this pick with a contrasting clutch and your favorite tall boots to totally rock the look!

Target

A New Day Drop Tier Maxi Dress

This is a dress style I gawk over all the time, thanks to none other than Sex and the City. The dramatic drop-waist helps elongate and flatter your figure, so you'll be feeling uber-confident the moment you walk into any party. Plus, this sultry burgundy color is such a perfect fit for winter functions.

Target

Wild Fable Rosette Tube Maxi Bodycon Dress

A tube dress is gonna get me every time. The strapless look is simply iconic because you can show up to the party covered up in a cardigan, then make the big reveal once things start to turn up. The statement rosette on this pick's neckline is a whole accessory in itself, so all you need is a good pair of statement earrings to complete the ensemble!

Target

Wild Fable Long Sleeve Flocked Mini Fit & Flare Dress

Want a bit of coverage, but still want to feel sexy? This off-the-shoulder party dress is for you! The long sleeves and textured velvet material make it feel much more winter-appropriate, but you still get to show off your neckline.

Target

Wild Fable Tiered Bow Mini Lace Dress

I am still thoroughly obsessed with bows, which is why I'm definitely snagging this style for any upcoming holiday shindigs. The tiered styling is undeniably flattering, and the black trim qualifies this party dress to be a good match with other black pieces, from jackets to boots.

Target

Ava & Viv Long Sleeve Rosette Midi A-Line Dress

When it comes to wintery fabrics, velvet reigns supreme. This playful square-neck mini dress is super soft to the touch and has the perfect amount of personality, thanks to the lil' rosette decal up front.

Target

Wild Fable Open Work Sequin Midi Dress

Yes, yes, and yes. This is my favorite Target party dress of them all. Though simple in its silhouette, the multicolored sequins do all the talking. Since this long dress makes a statement all on its own, I'd style it with some simple heels.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday outfit inspo!

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Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

If you're throwing a tapas party and don't want to spend the entire night in the kitchen, look no further than these tapas recipes. They're yummy small plates of food to be shared among your guests. These smaller servings, typically of unique cuisines, can be a great way to try something new and really impress your foodie friends that always want a little bite!

Most of these tapas recipes come together in no time, which can be super helpful if you lean toward procrastinating the daunting task of hosting. To get you started, we've got the 56 best easy and authentic Spanish tapas ideas. And don't forget — these babies taste even better when paired with a pitcher of sangria!

What are the 3 types of tapas?

Sascha Weber / PEXELS

The three types of tapas include cosas de picar (finger foods), pinchos (which require something like a toothpick to eat), and cazuelas (little dishes served in a sauce).

What are some typical tapas foods?

Valeria Boltneva / PEXELS

Tapas foods are usually served in smaller portions, but they're all delicious. You can serve everything from olives and fried cheese to chorizo and sweet baked churro chips.

What do you serve at a tapas party?

RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS

There are a variety of foods you can serve at a tapas party, but our favorite tapas menu includes jalapeño poppers, fried cheese, savory canapés, and stuffed olives. We love a fig and bacon jam crostini, too!

Our Favorite Tapas Recipes To Share With The Whole Party

Vegan Italian Sausage Hand Pies

Plant Provisions

The only thing better than a new pizza recipe is when that pizza is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. These pies are totally delicious and feature a mouthwatering mix of vegan sausage, vegan cheese, and potatoes. (via Plant Provisions for Brit + Co)

Baked Churro Chips

Brit + Co

Steer away from tradition by making some churros into chips. They’re easy to make in big batches, and they’re even easier to dip into mocha-fudge sauce, caramel sauce or whipped cream. The fact that they're on the sweeter side is a great for switching things up in the tapas department. (via Brit + Co)

Triscuit + Cucumber + Mint + Feta

Brit + Co

A salty Triscuit cracker, paired with refreshing cucumber and bright mint? Sign us up, like, right now. This quick recipe makes for a refreshing tapa that your guests are sure to enjoy. (via Brit + Co)

Blistered Shishito Peppers

Forks & Foliage

Your tapas menu just got a serious upgrade with this recipe. The peppers get blistered over high heat for some massive flavor, then team up with some burrata and olive oil to mellow out the spice. (via Forks & Foliage for Brit + Co)

Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Brit + Co

Sweet meets savory in this top-tier tapas recipe. The skewered meat + fruit allows for such easy snacking! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate-Covered Cheese Bites

Parmigiano Reggiano

You'd be surprised at just how well sharp cheese and dark chocolate work together! This is definitely one of the most unique tapas recipes we've ever tried, but the combo is so worth it. (via Parmigiano Reggianofor Brit + Co)

Eggplant Moussaka

Forks & Foliage

Moussaka, a tasty compilation of eggplants, garlic, onion, and chickpeas, is an unforgettable tapas menu item. It's vegan by nature, and meant to be served cold for hot summer days! (via Forks & Foliage for Brit + Co)

Triscuit + Cherry Tomatoes + Mozzarella Cheese + Spicy Chili Flakes

Brit + Co

The cherry tomatoes and spicy chili flakes in this tapas food will taste amazing together, especially when you have cheese to cut the tart spice! (via Brit + Co)

Bacon Pastry Twists

Brit + Co

Everyone will be in a twist over how tasty these pastry snacks are! (via Brit + Co)

Smoked Salmon Bites

Brit + Co

Smoked salmon elevates cracker bites to the max.(via Brit + Co)

Baked Brie

Ron Lach / PEXELS

Baked brie is one of the best finger foods to share with your friends. Make sure everyone gets a bite by setting out a baked brie platter complete with crackers, chips, honey, and jam. (via Brit + Co)

Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

Stuffed mushrooms are one of the best tapas recipes around, because they're painfully easy to make. They're also easily customizable via the filling, so you can switch it up each time depending on the occasion or theme of the get-together you're going to. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Grazing Platter

The Edgy Veg

Everyone will want a bite from this colorful grazing platter. It's got veggies, it's got fruit, it's got nuts. You can also add in vegan cheeses, mushrooms, hummus — whatever floats your boat. (via The Edgy Veg)

Seared Tuna with Manzanilla Olive Tapenade

The Endless Meal

This bite may look super involved and fancy, but we promise you it's as simple as tapas recipes get. Sear some fresh tuna before using it to top cucumber slices that pair with a delicious homemade tapenade. (via The Endless Meal)

Spinach + Chickpeas (Espinacas Con Garbanzos)

Spanish Sabores

This spinach and chickpea stew is popular in Seville, Spain. Aside from the delicious flavors, the best part about this recipe is definitely the fact that it only takes half an hour to make! The ingredients are all healthy, too, which allows you to eat as much as you'd like to. (via Spanish Sabores)

Chorizo, Manchego, and Olive Skewers

My Modern Cookery

These honey-drizzled skewers embody the rich, fresh flavors of Spanish foods. They're a total fireworks show in your mouth. The best part is there is absolutely no cooking required! They're so easy to put together and can be customized to you and your guests' preferences. (via My Modern Cookery)

Cheese-Stuffed Garlic Bites

The Edgy Veg

For a rounding out a delicious and savory tapas menu, you can't go wrong with these cheese-stuffed garlic bites! They're super easy to make, and you can pair them with any dipping sauce. (via The Edgy Veg)

Fig and Bacon Jam Crostini

Barley & Sage

Smear goat cheese on some toasted baguette slices, add bacon jam and fig slices, and drizzle with honey (or hot honey) to make these tapas. This fresh flavor combination is nothing like you've ever tasted before. It's sure to wow your guests, due its delectable and complex flavor palette. (via Barley & Sage)

Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Parsley

Spain on a Fork

This simple lemon-garlic shrimp is sure to satisfy. Serve with toothpicks for spearing or crusty baguette slices for dipping. P.S. this is a great dish to pair with some white wine! (via Spain on a Fork)

Spanish Tortilla with Burrata and Herbs

Half Baked Harvest

This recipe using potatoes, eggs, fresh herbs, prosciutto, and burrata is the perfect addition to your tapas dinner party menu. It's simple to make, but the flavors are oh-so complex. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mushroom Croquettes

Cilantro and Citronella

Croquetas de jamón, AKA logs of ham coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden, are easy to find at most tapas bars in Spain. These bites are filled with mushrooms and made with non-dairy milk, so even your vegan friends can enjoy them! (via Cilantro and Citronella)

Squash Cornbread Mini Muffins

Chef Bai

These cornbread tapas are made with squash to boost your bite with tons of nutritional value, and their size makes them the perfect finger food for sharing with others. They're sweet, yet super savory! (via Chef Bai)

Pan Tumaca

Cilantro Parsley

This tapas recipe originates from old Spanish tradition of finding ways to reuse crusty bread. Adding tomato and olive oil will soften up your crust to be topped with flavorful meat and spiciness! (via Cilantro Parsley)

Fried Cheese Curds

Culinary Hill

Fry some cheese curds in your oil of choice, and this tapas finger food is ready to be enjoyed! Get ready to make a big batch, though, because these crunchy, creamy bites are addictive! (via Culinary Hill)

Chorizo Al Vino Tinto (Chorizo in Red Wine)

Caroline's Cooking

The red wine in this dish gives an extra layer of flavor that you just cannot miss. This recipe tastes delicious with both mild and spicy chorizo, so it's a great option for everyone. They're also super light, which makes them perfect to serve before a larger meal. (via Caroline's Cooking)

Brie Stuffed Crispy Baby Potatoes

Half Baked Harvest

Potatoes at a party are always a win. These brie-stuffed potatoes are unbelievably delicious and provide an elevated take on a classic potato recipe. The addition of truffle oil seriously just pushes these over the edge in terms of flavor. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Bacon + Goat Cheese Pops

The Endless Meal

Make this finger food an easy hack by using skewers to serve them! You'll get a mouthful rich with sweet and savory notes. (via The Endless Meal)

Spanish Cheese Board Easy Tapas Dish

My Kitchen Love

This easy tapas recipe allows you to cover all of your flavor bases on a single board instead of making multiple small plates. This tapas assortment is a yummy twist on the modern charcuterie, and is full of Spanish cheeses, meats, grapes, olives and flavorful spreads. (via My Kitchen Love)

Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Basil

Rachel Mansfield

Keep things fresh and fruity with this unique combination of flavors! This chilled tapas recipe will hit different during the summer, as it's a relaxing and refreshing bite. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Bruschettas

Signature Concoctions

This take on a classic bruschetta bite can take your tapas party so much further, displaying a range of flavors from spicy to sweet. There are so many different ways to customize them that you can bring them out time and time again and your guests won't ever get tired of them! (via Signature Concoctions)

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Cozy Cravings

These delicious, tapas-worthy chicken wings are prepared in the air fryer, making prepping for a party so much easier. Everyone won't be able to get enough of the spicy, citrusy flavors! (via Cozy Cravings)

Chicken Empanadas Tapas Recipes

Food with Feeling

Because no one ever complained about chicken, cheese, and carbs – and we're not about to start. This genius tapas idea takes under 30 minutes to prepare and each bite is filling enough that you wouldn't need to serve much else! (via Food with Feeling)

Vegetarian Jalapeño Poppers

Live Eat Learn

You'll want to eat tons of these flavorful bites! Get into the crunch with these baked jalapeño poppers. This tapas recipe has the perfect amount of spice that will allow all of your guests to enjoy bite and bite again. (via Live Eat Learn)

Spanish-Style Tomato and Butter Bean Dip

Fresh Off the Grid

This addictive tapas party dip is so simple, you can even make it on a camping trip! Don't be fooled by the simplicity though, it's still delicious AF. You can pair it with pita chips or sourdough bread for a treat that's sure to impress. (via Fresh Off the Grid)

Gambas al Ajillo

A Spicy Perspective

This spicy shrimp tapas recipe can be used to toss with pasta or served on skewers! The choice is yours. They're packed with garlic, arbol chile, and sherry flavor that makes it a standout dish on a big tapas spread. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese and Pecans

The Cookie Rookie

These four-ingredient bites are both crispy, chewy, and creamy all at once. They'll add some flavor and texture variety to your tapas menu! (via The Cookie Rookie)

Mini Quiche

Culinary Hill

Quiche recipes are always a hit, so why not make them bite-sized for your tapas party? You can take this recipe in so many different ways to produce some truly unique flavors. This has got to be one of the best tapas recipes out there. (via Culinary Hill)

Chickpea Cranberry Lettuce Wraps

Chef Bai

Make entertaining a crowd super simple with these fresh lettuce wraps. You'll get a mouthful of sweet cranberry, but also some savory notes. These tapas pack in tons of nutrition, though you'd never guess it. They're high in fiber and low in fat, making them great to even just make as a snack for yourself! (via Chef Bai)

Pan Con Tomate

A Spicy Perspective

This snack is common in Spain, and just one of the easiest ways to make tapas recipes. Fresh, oily, and garlicky, we could never pass up pan con tomate. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Flank Steak with Goat Cheese on Toast

Steamy Kitchen

Grilled flank steak and roasted red pepper sit atop creamy goat cheese and crusty bread, but the real kicker is a roasted fig and onion jam that adds a perfect touch of sweetness. (via Steamy Kitchen)

Blistered Padrón Peppers

What's Gaby Cooking?

Olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and heat transform these Spanish peppers into a party-worthy tapas food. Your guests will be blown away by how much punch these little peppers pack. (via What’s Gaby Cooking?)

Zanahorias Saliñadas Tapas Recipe

Tara’s Multicultural Table

These vibrant pickled carrot slices, served in olive oil and parsley, make a refreshing accompaniment to heavier, meatier tapas. (via Tara’s Multicultural Table)

Spanish-Style Meatballs

Grab a Plate

Meatballs are a welcome guest at any tapas party. These small bites are made with spicy chorizo, a Spanish staple. And, don't be surprised by their tiny size – these easy meatballs are big on flavor. (via Grab a Plate)

Heirloom Tomato, Basil, and Manchego Toast

Half Baked Harvest

If your tomatoes are in-season, you'll want to make this mother of all tapas recipes: tomato-manchego toasts topped with basil. They look gorgeous, so they're super fit to serve at a tapas celebration! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two-Minute Olive Tapenade

Mommy Musings

Black olives, capers, and olive oil make one salty spread that you’ll hungrily smear on endless baguette slices during your tapas party. (via Mommy Musings)

Fried Calamari with Cilantro Aioli

Baker by Nature

Looking for a tapas dish with a little wow factor? Behold this simpler-than-you-think squid appetizer. The aioli dipping sauce is sooo good, you're going to be making these again and again. (via Baker by Nature)

Pan-Fried Cauliflower

Just a Little Bit of Bacon

Quick-fried cauliflower is a healthier alternative to fried cheese or meat, but it still tastes indulgent. One of the best parts of this tapas recipe is that you can fry it a few hours ahead and throw the pieces in the oven to get crispy again. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Balsamic Roasted Grape and Brie Crostini

Barley & Sage

Toasted baguette slices are topped with brie, balsamic roasted grapes, and toasted pecans along with balsamic glaze, thyme, and black pepper. It's like a party of flavors in your mouth! (via Barley & Sage)

Broccoli and Cheese Hand Pies

Feel Good Foodie

Handheld snacks are just a massive 'yes' from us. These hand pies are packed with cheese and broccoli to deliver the most satisfying bite. If you're a fan of broccoli + cheddar soup, you're going to love this tapas recipe. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sriracha Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Half Baked Harvest

Again, you could never go wrong with prepping cauliflower bites as far as tapas recipes go. This easy recipe leverages that Buffalo flavor we all know and love! It is one of the most flavorful and easy tapas you can whip up. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mexican Tortilla Roll-Ups

Culinary Hill

These roll-ups are perfect for snack time, and easy to make with simple ingredients so that even little ones at your tapas party can enjoy! They're zesty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. (via Culinary Hill)

Caprese Crostini

Salt & Lavender

These garlicky caprese crostini melts are a delicious crowd-pleaser that is low-effort for the host! The crispy baguette paired with the sweet tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic drizzle makes for a fantastic tapas treat. (via Salt & Lavender)

Whipped Feta, Corn and Zucchini Crostini

Live Eat Learn

Whipped feta cheese sits atop a crunchy crostini to balance out all of the comforting flavors of this tapas recipe. It's perfect for a snack, a party finger food, or an appetizer before a big meal. (via Live Eat Learn)

Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Culinary Hill

These tasty stuffed mushrooms are buttery and savory and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes! The ingredients are superior and include two types of cheeses, scallions, and artichoke hearts. (via Culinary Hill)

Roasted Cauliflower Bites with Mint Dip

Salt & Lavender

Try something a little bit different and whip up some cauliflower to be dipped in this fresh mint concoction. It takes less than 30 minutes and is vegetarian-friendly! (via Salt & Lavender)

Spinach Artichoke Cups

Rachel Mansfield

This tapas recipe is like the classic dip, but even better. It's ready in 15 minutes and is made with all gluten-free ingredients, allowing you to accommodate your guests' varying dietary needs. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Join our newsletter for more tapas recipes and appetizer ideas, and check out our cooking and baking classes for more inspo!

This article has been updated.

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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