’90s Country Icon Martina McBride Mourns the Loss of Beloved Family Member: ‘You’re Never Ready’

Martina McBride’s dog, Mae, has died.

The country music powerhouse, 59, revealed the heartbreaking news on social media on Sunday, Sept. 21, telling her friends and followers that she had been keeping the news close to the vest until now.

McBride, who is also a mother to three human daughters, Delaney, Emma, and Ava, shared that Mae, a Maltipoo, had passed away on May 5, 2025, after having been unwell and on “a lot of medication” for a while.

“It’s taken me a while to write this, but we lost our sweet Mae on May 5th. I guess it’s just taken some time to feel like it wouldn’t be rushed,” McBride wrote alongside a carousel of photos and video clips featuring the beloved four-legged friend and family member. “She had heart issues and was having trouble breathing, so John [McBride’s husband] and I took her to the vet around 3 am.”

“They wanted to keep her, and so we said goodnight and came home,” McBride added. They had her in an oxygenated crate. They called early the next morning and said she had passed.”

McBride went on to say that she had wrestled personally with her decision to leave Mae at the vet to be monitored by the animal doctors, but she realized that no matter what she did, she would’ve still wondered whether or not it would’ve been the right decision.

“Part of me wishes I had brought her home with me. But then I know if I did that I would feel like I should have left her at the vet,” the “My Baby Loves Me” songstress wrote. “It wasn’t necessarily unexpected…she hadn’t seemed great for weeks and she was on a lot of medication….but still you’re never ready.”

Martina McBride Says Mae Was ‘Sassy and Sweet’

“She was one of a kind. Sassy and sweet…she was so loved,”  McBride wrote, closing out her tribute message to sweet Mae. “And she gave us so much in return. We love you, Mae. #maltipoo.”

Condolences Pour In for the McBride Family After the Unfortunate Loss

Those who came across McBride’s post took to the comments section to share their condolences, and sent well wishes to the McBride family as they heal from the pain of losing their companion.

“May sweet Mae be at peace and running free with Jesus until we reunite with our beloved pets again. 🌈🙏,” one person wrote, while another follower added, “Omg, Martina. I’m sooooooooo sorry. This breaks my heart for you guys. 😢.”

“@martinamcbride Little Miss Mae, going home in May. How perfectly heartbreaking for you and your family,” a third person captioned. “May the Lord keep you and hold you steadfast. Our pets are not just pets. They are family, almost human, to those you love and care for them. 🐾 Prayers.🙏💔 She crossed over the 🌈bridge.”

Our hearts go out to the McBride family at this time.

Related: Country Star Sidelined From Performing Headlining Show Due to Illness: ‘I Tried Everything I Could To Get on That Stage Tonight’

This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.