As the only female member of the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band, Caroline Jones has proven her mettle on the stage. But when it came to navigating the challenges of parenthood, she sought guidance from fellow musicians who had walked the same path. In this exclusive interview, Jones shares her insights on the joys and struggles of balancing a thriving career with the demands of motherhood.

Hitting the Right Notes: Caroline Jones' Harmonious Approach to Parenthood

Embracing the Humbling Realities of Motherhood

Caroline Jones has always been in control of her public persona, but motherhood has pushed her to her limits, forcing her to confront the realities of not always being her best self. "Motherhood pushes you to your absolute limits and then beyond," she reflects. "You have no choice but to show up as not the best version of yourself sometimes. It's very humbling." Jones acknowledges the self-doubt that can creep in during those exhausted moments, but she's learned to give herself grace, recognizing that the journey of parenthood is not always perfect.

Navigating the Challenges of Relationships

Maintaining a strong romantic relationship can be a challenge when a child enters the picture, but Jones and her husband, a professional sailor, have found ways to support each other through the ups and downs. "We talk all the time about little things that are bothering us. And then we try to do the work," she says. "Especially in stressful times, we need to be on each other's team." Jones emphasizes the importance of open communication and a willingness to put in the effort to keep their partnership thriving.

Leaning on the Band: Inspiration from Seasoned Fathers

The members of the Zac Brown Band have been invaluable sources of support and inspiration for Jones as she navigates the world of parenthood. "Everyone in the Zac Brown Band is a decade ahead of me. They're all family men and have been through the gauntlet," she explains. Watching her bandmates interact with their children on the road has been a powerful example of how to balance the demands of a music career with the joys of fatherhood. "They're supportive of me, always asking how I am and acknowledging that it's challenging," Jones says, grateful for the camaraderie and understanding of her musical family.

Touring with a Baby: A Whirlwind of Challenges and Cherished Moments

Bringing her 4-and-a-half-month-old son, Declan, on tour was both hectic and rewarding for Jones. "It was equal parts hectic and exhausting, but also beautiful," she reflects. Navigating the logistics of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding while on the road was a constant struggle, but Jones cherishes the memories of Declan experiencing new places and milestones, like his first croissant in Quebec. "He had his first croissant in Quebec. I was exclusively breastfeeding while touring and there were times he wouldn't take the bottle. It was such a nightmare," she recalls, acknowledging the challenges but also the joy of sharing those experiences with her son.

Emerging Stronger and More Confident

Despite the trials and tribulations, Jones feels that motherhood has made her stronger and more confident than ever before. "Motherhood makes everything in your life more intentional," she says. "I want Declan to grow up seeing his mom follow her dreams and do things in the world that are meaningful to her and, hopefully, valuable to other people." With a new chapter of her career on the horizon, including the release of new music, Jones is embracing the transformative power of parenthood and the inspiration it has brought to her artistry.