Meet Samantha Leonard Bryan, the Inspiration Behind Zach Bryan’s New Album
Zach Bryan and his wife Samantha in October 2025.
Credit:
Samantha Bryan/Instagram
Need to Know
- Zach Bryan and his wife, Samantha Leonard Bryan, have been linked since July 2025.
- They married in Spain on New Year’s Eve in December 2025.
- His sixth studio album, With Heaven on Top, includes songs that reference Samantha.
Zach Bryan’s relationship with Samantha Leonard Bryan has gained attention since they were first linked in the summer of 2025. The Grammy-winning country artist married Samantha in a ceremony held in Spain on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.
Shortly after their wedding, Bryan released his sixth studio album, With Heaven on Top. The album features songs that seemingly reflect on his past relationships while also celebrating his marriage.
Zach, who has been previously married to Rose Madden and has been in relationships with Deb Peifer and Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, appeared to draw inspiration from his new wife in several tracks. He also seemingly addressed his recent split from LaPaglia within the album.
While they have kept their relationship mostly private, Bryan shared an endearing post on Instagram in October 2025 to celebrate Samantha’s birthday. He described the day as one of the “best days of the year,” expressing admiration for her adventurous spirit. “From bull runs to all the bulls—, today is your birthday and I love you, Samantha Marie,” he wrote, highlighting her ability to seamlessly juggle various activities.
So, who is Samantha Leonard Bryan? Here’s a closer look at her background.
Samantha is a New York University Alum
Samantha Bryan at her NYU graduation in May 2022.
Samantha Bryan/Instagram
Samantha attended Mater Dei High School and Corona Del Mar High School in California. She later attended New York University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts and business.
She has expressed gratitude for her time at NYU, thanking professors who significantly impacted her education and personal growth. In a May 2021 Instagram post, she reflected on her college experience, describing it as unparalleled.
Currently, she is pursuing further education in interior architecture at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she is projected to graduate in May 2026.
She Enjoys Traveling
Samantha Bryan visits Spain in February 2025.
Samantha Bryan/Instagram
Samantha actively shares her travel experiences on social media, showcasing adventures from skiing in Colorado to dining in Tokyo and attending family events in Thailand.
Additionally, she has a passion for yoga. In June 2016, she noted her background as a yoga instructor and possesses a Yoga Specialty Certification.
She and Zach Have Been Linked Since the Summer of 2025
Zach Bryan and his wife Samantha in July 2025.
Samantha Bryan/Instagram
The couple was first linked in July 2025 after Bryan shared a photo of them at Spain’s Running of the Bulls. Their relationship followed brief rumors involving another individual earlier that year.
As the summer progressed, Samantha continued to post images highlighting their time together, including fishing in August 2025. Although they maintain a level of privacy, she has occasionally shared moments of joy, attending Bryan’s concerts and adventurous outings like skydiving.
Zach Credited “Sammy’s Happiness” as One of the Reasons He Got Sober in 2025
Zach Bryan and his wife Samantha in October 2025.
Samantha Bryan/Instagram
In November 2025, Zach Bryan opened up about his mental health struggles, revealing his two-month journey to sobriety. In a detailed Instagram post, he attributed his decision to become sober to the happiness of his wife, saying she played a crucial role in his journey.
Bryan recounted feeling a “consistent black hole” and recognized his reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. He stated, “At the end of this ride, I was sitting in a parking lot in Seattle, Washington thinking ‘I really need some f—ing help.'”
He expressed gratitude for the support of his family, emphasizing conversations about their future together, which inspired him to prioritize not just his well-being but that of his entire family.
They Got Married in Spain on New Year’s Eve in 2025
Zach Bryan and wife Samantha on their wedding day.
Samantha Bryan/Instagram
Zach and Samantha celebrated their union on December 31, 2025, in Spain. The news broke when a video surfaced, showing the couple embarking on their journey adorned with a “Just Married” sign.
Shortly after, Bryan shared a heartfelt photo capturing a moment with Samantha in her strapless white gown, complemented by a video of him performing a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Tougher Than the Rest.”
Within days of their wedding, Samantha shared glimpses of the ceremony, believed to be held at Basílica de Santa María del Coro, a baroque Roman Catholic church in San Sebastián.
Zach later revealed that Samantha’s wedding dress featured lace from his late mother’s gown, a gesture that deeply moved him. “Samantha went out of her way to put my mom’s wedding dress lace on her dress and I cried for a good bit,” he shared in a heartfelt post on Instagram Stories.
He Seems to Sing About Her on His Album, With Heaven on Top
Zach Bryan and his wife Samantha in October 2025.
Samantha Bryan/Instagram
Released on January 9, 2026, Zach Bryan’s album With Heaven on Top features several tracks that appear to pay tribute to his wife, Samantha.
In the song “Runny Eggs,” he reflects on traveling to Pamplona to “find a lady with some big old Spanish eyes,” a location significant to their relationship. This venue was the same spot where they shared moments during the Running of the Bulls. He also referred to Samantha’s “Spanish eyes” in a social media post around the time their romance began.
The chorus of “Slicked Back” captures a glimpse of their bond as he sings about his “girl,” illustrating their intimate connection. “You’re so cool in my living room/And when you talk trash with your hair slicked back/When I get to hell or heaven, can I bring my girl?/’Cause she likes romance, good sex, music and ruling the world,” he croons.
