Only spending a few years in country music, Conner Smith was excited to get an invitation to perform at CMA Fest 2025. Bringing some of the biggest names to the stage, the moment marked a milestone in the singer’s career since releasing his debut album, Smoky Mountains, last year. Although meant to be a moment of celebration turned into tragedy after Smith struck and killed Dorothy Dobbins while driving through downtown Nashville. Besides stepping away from the spotlight to process the tragedy, Smith recently discussed how he embraced the isolation.
Finding his way back to the stage thanks to the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday, Smith soaked in the atmosphere for the first time in weeks. With the accident taking place back in June, the singer canceled his future performances to focus on the tragedy. Sharing his recent thoughts on his Substack, he wrote, “The moment tragedy came, I knew that my heart had no way to process it. Surrounded by an incredible community, my wife, family, friends, pastors, for the first 30 days, I stayed isolated from the world.”
Videos by American Songwriter
Having to struggle with the tragedy and his involvement in the death of Dobbins, Smith added, “I spent most of my time with friends who had stopped by the house, or just me and Jesus. I turned off my phone, and the world, and simply guarded my mind, processing the pain with the people around me.”
[RELATED: Conner Smith Speaks Out for the First Time Following Fatal CMA Fest Weekend Crash]
Conner Smith Issued A Misdeamor For Fatal Incident
As for the details surrounding the incident, 77-year-old Dobbins walked her dog on the night of June 8, 2025. While using a marked crosswalk in Nashville, the retired attorney was struck by Smith’s vehicle. With first responders transporting Dobbins to a nearby medical facility, she sadly passed away from her injuries.
Although an investigation was opened, police found that Smith was neither intoxicated nor distracted by his cell phone at the time. On July 10th, a misdemeanor was filed, citing failure to yield, resulting in a fatality.
Ready to move forward with his life and career, Smith considered his first performance a new beginning. “This feels like a new beginning in every way tonight. A restart, a second chance, an opportunity for purpose through the trials I’ve now known. My heart is filled with thankfulness because of that truth. The truth that I now get a chance to begin again, having seen the things that truly matter in life.”
(Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group)
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
BEIJING – AUGUST 08: British singer Sarah Brightman and Chinese singer Liu Huan perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Wynonna Judd is seen at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse during the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Producer Manuel Seal arrives at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Kenny Chesney performs on NBC's "Today" Citi Concert Series at Rockefeller Plaza on September 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images) -
19th May 1967: The Beatles (left to right) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison (1943 – 2001) and John Lennon (1940 – 1980) at a photocall for the launch of their new album 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', held at Brian Epstein's house at 24 Chapel Street, London. Lennon is wearing an afghan jacket and a sporran. (Photo by John Downing/Getty Images) -
TWIN LAKES, WISCONSIN – JULY 18: Dasha performs at Country Thunder Wisconsin at Shadow Hill Ranch on July 18, 2026 in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joshua Applegate/Getty Images) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 27: Charles Kelley performs at EXIT/IN on August 27, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 17: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Kacey Musgraves performs onstage during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)