Ashley Cooke Teases Love With Matt Rife Amid Nashville’s Cheers

Ashley Cooke, the 29‑year‑old country singer who burst onto the scene with her debut single “Somewhere in Between,” is once again at the center of a buzz‑worthy story.

In a recent interview she revealed that comedian Matt Rife was her first pick to appear in the music video for her latest single, “Baby Blues.” The clip, dropped earlier this month, shows Rife working as a poolside server who captures Cooke’s attention with a series of flirtatious glances before sharing a kiss.

Cooke said the chemistry felt natural and that the kiss “wasn’t too bad either,” adding that Rife’s comedic timing made keeping a straight face “half the battle.”

The partnership began in an unexpected moment at the 2026 CMA Fest, where Cooke serenaded Rife on stage. “I grew really close to him after that,” she told an interviewer.

“It felt like a really comfortable, easy person to have in the video.” The video has already sparked conversation among fans and industry insiders alike, with many wondering if the chemistry seen on screen will translate into a longer‑term collaboration.

## Background & Context

Cooke’s sophomore album, self‑titled, was a deeply personal project that drew heavily from her relationships. She explained that a significant portion of the record’s emotional depth came from her time spent with songwriter Johnny Clawson, whom she also dated during the creative process.

“When you date your co‑writer, things get messy,” Cooke said.

“A lot of what you hear on the record is about somebody that I was dating during the process of it, who I actually wrote a lot of songs with.” The intertwining of romance and songwriting meant that their breakup was not simply personal; it carried over into the music they had jointly produced.

Despite the heartbreak, Cooke insists that the album remains meaningful to her. “I personally believed that the best art is created out of big emotion,” she said.

“There was a lot of big emotion on this record from the best to the worst, and I think that’s why this record feels so meaningful to me.” She also noted that while healing is ongoing, both she and Clawson have “been healed” over time, though the loss of a friend, collaborator, and lover still left its mark.

Cooke first made waves in 2022 with the breakout hit “Somewhere in Between,” which earned her a nomination for New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards. The song’s blend of heartfelt storytelling and modern production caught the ears of radio programmers and streaming curators alike.

Since then, she has released a string of singles that charted on the Hot Country Songs list, including “Goodnight Love” and “Hometown Roads.” Her debut album, *First Steps*, produced by Nashville veteran producer Mark Harris, showcased her knack for turning personal tales into universally relatable anthems.

The decision to bring Matt Rife into the fold was both strategic and instinctive. Rife, known for his rapid‑fire jokes and vibrant online presence, has recently been exploring music collaborations. His cameo brings a fresh comedic element that could broaden Cooke’s appeal beyond traditional country listeners.

In production interviews, Cooke noted that filming took place at a rustic lakeside venue in Nashville’s South Side district, with the pool area set up to mimic a relaxed, Southern summer vibe. The kiss itself was choreographed to feel spontaneous—an “improvised moment” that captured the playful energy they share offstage.

## What People Are Saying

Cooke credits several Nashville powerhouses for guiding her through the highs and lows of the industry. She described Kelsea Ballerini and Carly Pearce as “big sisters” who have encouraged her not to become a “people pleaser.” “Both of them have just constantly poured into me to remind me like, ‘No, you know your worth.

You’re really intelligent. You know your talent,’” she said. , this confidence has helped her maintain artistic integrity without compromising her personal values.

The legendary Dolly Parton also appears in Cooke’s narrative as a model of success achieved with grace. “There will never be another Dolly Parton,” Cooke remarked, reflecting on the country icon’s impact.

She highlighted Parton’s blend of power and kindness, noting how the late legend managed to garner respect without stepping on anyone else’s toes.

Cooke was moved by the outpouring of love after Parton’s passing on August 25 and described her influence as “profoundly impacting lives around her.” The singer praised Parton’s generosity, saying she “could have sat back and just enjoyed her money and enjoyed her success, but instead she gave so much away.”

These relationships underscore Cooke’s belief that the country music community can be both supportive and fiercely collaborative. Her own experience with Rife—though brief—demonstrates how cross‑genre collaborations can add new dimensions to a project while also presenting challenges when personal dynamics shift.

Fans have responded with a mixture of excitement and curiosity.

On Instagram, the video’s teaser generated over 120 k likes within the first hour, with many fans posting screenshots of Rife’s “killer wink.” Twitter threads saw fans debating whether the on‑screen chemistry hinted at a budding romance or was simply a creative marketing ploy.

A handful of music bloggers noted that Cooke’s willingness to experiment with humor sets her apart from her peers, while industry analysts suggest that such collaborations could attract streaming platforms looking for fresh content.

Industry insiders have taken notice as well. A representative from Cooke’s label mentioned that the “Baby Blues” video had already pushed the single into the top 10 of the Country Airplay chart in its first two weeks.

The cross‑genre appearance is seen as a savvy move to tap into Rife’s primarily comedy‑driven audience, potentially drawing new listeners to Cooke’s catalog. Additionally, the cameo has sparked interest among other comedians and musicians looking to explore collaborative spaces that blur genre lines.

## What Happens Next

The “Baby Blues” video, featuring Rife’s playful yet earnest presence, is part of a broader rollout for Cooke’s new album. Fans anticipate that the single’s release will coincide with additional promotional appearances and tour dates later this year.

While Cooke has not announced any specific plans regarding future projects with Rife or Clawson, she remains open to creative collaborations that align with her artistic vision.

In the coming weeks, listeners can expect to hear more tracks from the album that continue to explore themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience—core elements that have defined Cooke’s career so far.

Her ongoing dialogue with industry peers suggests that she will likely lean on her Nashville sisters for guidance as she navigates both personal growth and professional expansion.

Cooke has already scheduled a series of intimate shows in Nashville’s Bluebird Café and the Ryman Auditorium, where she plans to perform the new single live for the first time. Behind-the-scenes footage from these venues has already been shared on her TikTok account, generating additional buzz.

The artist hinted at a possible “summer tour” that will feature a mix of acoustic sets and full-band performances, offering fans a chance to experience the new music in various formats.

Meanwhile, the songwriting partnership with Clawson—though on pause—has not ended entirely. Cooke mentioned that they are both “open to writing again when the time feels right,” indicating that future projects could still bring them back together on a creative level.

## Final Thoughts

Ashley Cooke’s candid reflections illuminate how her personal relationships shape her music and how the support of fellow artists can help maintain artistic integrity amid the inevitable ups and downs of a rising career.

By blending heartfelt storytelling with unexpected collaborations, she is carving out a distinct niche in contemporary country.

Whether the chemistry with Matt Rife blossoms into a long‑term partnership or remains a one‑off creative experiment, it’s clear that Cooke’s willingness to explore new artistic avenues keeps her music fresh and her audience engaged.

The supportive network she calls “Nashville sisters” continues to be a powerful force behind her growth, reminding her—and the rest of the industry—that authenticity and collaboration can coexist in a world that often rewards both.