About Karen Waldrup
Karen Waldrup is a country singer-songwriter originally from Mandeville, Louisiana, and now based in Nashville, Tennessee. With an authentic voice, contagious energy, and honest storytelling, she’s earned a growing reputation in modern country music.
Age & Early Life
Born on February 5, 1986, Karen is 39 years old as of 2025. Some sources list her birthday as September 5, 1986, but the most consistent detail is February.
She’s one of four sisters—Bekas, Rebecca, Katie, and herself—and started writing music and playing guitar around age 16.
Education
Karen graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, bringing her Southern roots and artistic foundation into her music.
Music Career & Performances
Karen’s music spans decades, with albums, EPs, and singles showcasing her evolution:
- Debut album Justified (2018), produced by Garth Fundis, was self-funded via Indiegogo and debuted on multiple Billboard charts (Heatseekers, Independent Albums, Country Album Sales).
- Her song “Sometimes He Does” was featured by Rolling Stone as one of the Top 10 Country & Americana Songs of the Week; MusicRow called it “Disc of the Day.”
- Her 2023 album Kendall County Road, produced by Grammy winners Paul Worley and Biff Watson, features tracks such as a duet with Wendy Moten and a co-write with WWII vet Jim Martin. It reflects themes of longing and home.
Karen has toured globally—including the U.S., Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Honduras, Guatemala, London, Sweden, and Liechtenstein—often selling out shows.
She’s opened for big names like Rodney Atkins, Hank Williams Jr., Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker, Sara Evans, Gloriana, and more.
Her music has been featured frequently—TV, streaming, and media platforms, including Rolling Stone, People, Netflix, Hallmark, Bravo, NASCAR on ESPN Live, and NFL Experience.
Awards & Industry Recognition
Karen’s work has earned multiple honors:
- 12 Nashville Industry Music Awards
- 2019 Torch Award from Country Music Awards (Keith Whitley Fingerprint).
- Named a Top 5 Artist to Watch by Country Evolution in 2023.
- Won the Louisiana Music Prize and was featured as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country
The Voice — National Spotlight
Karen took her talents to The Voice Season 25 in 2024:
- For her blind audition, she sang Jo Dee Messina’s “Bye Bye.” Dan + Shay turned their chairs and even blocked Reba McEntire from getting her on their team.
- She made it to the Top 5 finalists, ultimately finishing Fifth. In one emotional moment, she performed “You Look Good” with Dan + Shay and brought a lot of warmth to the audience.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karen Waldrup |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1986 |
| Age (2024) | 39 years |
| Education | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Genre | Country, Americana |
| Notable Albums | Justified (2018), Kendall County Road (2023) |
| Chart Achievements | Justified on multiple Billboard charts |
| Awards & Honors | 12 NIMAs, Torch Award (2019), Top 5 Artist to Watch (2023), Louisiana Music Prize, CMT Next Women |
| The Voice Appearance | Season 25 finalist, Top 5 on Team Dan + Shay |
| Philanthropy | Supports St. Jude, Make-A-Wish, Leukemia societies |
| Social Media Following | FB: 280K, IG: 95K, YT: 30K, Twitter: 10K |
| Net Worth Estimate | $500K–$600K |
| Personal Life | Married to Cody Henson (2020) |
Community & Philanthropy
Karen is active off-stage, too—she supports several meaningful causes:
- Performed for The Manifest Foundation, Heroes in the Zone, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- Supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish, and more via concerts and donations
Personal Life
In September 2020, Karen married Cody Henson in an intimate South Carolina beach wedding after nearly three years of dating. The couple values shared faith and lasting love, even planning their wedding during the pandemic with grace.
Social Media & Fanbase
Karen has built a strong online presence:
- Facebook: ~280,000 followers
- Instagram: ~95,000 followers
- Twitter: ~10,000 followers
- YouTube: ~30,000 subscribers
Her fans are engaged, vocal, and loyal—often praising her shows and new music.
Net Worth
Her net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $600,000, which reflects her accomplishments in recordings, touring, streaming, and media features.