Jana Kramer has persisted in her quest for enduring love despite the challenges she has faced. On September 13, the country star, now 40, disclosed her new single “Warrior,” revealing in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that the song was inspired by her husband Alan Russell, 43.
Kramer explained that creating a song for Russell had been on her mind for some time. “I wanted to express my gratitude for him being such an incredible man and coming into my life,” she shared. The couple tied the knot on July 13 in Scotland, and Kramer noted that Russell’s tattoo, which calls her his “little warrior,” inspired the song’s title.
Kramer surprised Russell with her song “Warrior” on their wedding day, bringing him to tears with the emotional gesture
Working with Sara Brice, the wife of fellow country singer Lee Brice, helped Kramer come to terms with her past struggles. “I realized I’m no longer in crisis mode. I’m now in a place of happiness and love, which is wonderful,” Kramer said. She and Russell welcomed their son Roman in November 2023. Additionally, Kramer is a mother to Jolie, 8, and Jace, 5, from her previous marriage to Mike Caussin. She has previously praised Caussin for his positive coparenting approach.
Reflecting on her past, Kramer recounted her experiences with Michael Gambino, whom she married in 2004. Gambino was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to six years in prison. Kramer appreciated how Russell responded to her past. “[Alan’s] tattoo reads, ‘Jana my little warrior.’ When I shared my history of abuse with him, his reaction was incredibly supportive. He made me feel powerful and valued,” Kramer explained.
Following their engagement in May 2023, their summer wedding celebrated Russell’s Scottish roots with bagpipes, kilts, haggis pie, traditional Scottish music and dancing, and Highland Games, which included cable toss and stone throwing. Kramer surprised Russell with the song on their wedding morning, which moved him deeply. “It was very touching. He shed a tear, and it meant a lot to him,” Kramer said. She acknowledged that both she and Russell have their own histories but emphasized how their love has helped heal their past wounds.
Kramer views this project as a gesture of thanks to Russell. “He sees beauty where I saw brokenness and strength where I felt weakness. I’m committed to fighting for our relationship as he has fought for us,” she said.
While Kramer has plans to release more music later this year, her primary focus remains on her family. “I want to spend as much time as possible with my kids while they’re young. They are beautiful, kind, and amazing children, and being a mom brings me immense joy,” she added.
