In a surprising turn of events, country music singer-songwriter Zach Bryan has confirmed his breakup with Barstool Sports podcaster and social media star Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia after more than a year of dating. The 28-year-old crooner took to his Instagram Stories on Tuesday to share the news, stating that the couple has decided to “go our different ways.”
“Brianna and me have broken up with each other, and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart,” Bryan wrote in the emotional post. “She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time, and for that I’ll always thank her.”
The “Something in the Orange” hitmaker went on to express that he has struggled through a “hard year personally” and some “pretty severe things,” leading him to believe that parting ways would be beneficial for them both. “I am not perfect and never will be,” he acknowledged.
Bryan concluded his message by apologizing to anyone he let down, saying, “I try my best in everything. I let those who love me and myself down. He asked fans to respect LaPaglia’s privacy during this time, as well as his own: “If you have it in your heart.”
The announcement came as a shock to many, including LaPaglia herself. In an emotional YouTube video, the 25-year-old influencer revealed that she felt “completely blindsided” by Bryan’s public post about their split.
“I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up,” she said through tears. “I had no idea that post was going up. He didn’t text me. He didn’t call me.”
LaPaglia, known for her viral “chickenfry” persona, said she had been “crying for like five days” and wanted to take time to “heal privately” before sharing more details about the breakup. “I’m going to be OK; I’m going to be fine; I’m obviously just really hurt right now,” she told her followers.
The former couple first met at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2023 and soon made their relationship public. They celebrated their one-year anniversary this past July, with Bryan penning a sweet tribute to his then-girlfriend.
“Here’s to a year together. Happy anniversary, and I love you so much, Brianna,” he wrote at the time. You’re one of the few individuals who consistently make me laugh. Proud to call you my girl.”
However, just one day before the confirmation of the breakup, LaPaglia posted a cryptic handwritten note on Instagram, sparking rumors of trouble in paradise. Scribbled on notebook paper, the message spoke of life moving on “even if you don’t want it to” and finding oneself stuck while the world keeps spinning.
Adding fuel to the speculation, some fans claimed to have spotted Bryan’s profile on the exclusive dating app Raya in recent days. Neither party has addressed these allegations.
As both Bryan and LaPaglia navigate this difficult chapter, they have asked for privacy and understanding from their supporters. The country music and social media communities remain stunned by the sudden split of this high-profile couple, who had captured hearts with their sweet moments and public declarations of love over the past year. Only time will tell what the future holds for these two stars as they embark on their newly separate paths.