Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.
Chuck Dauphin is undeniably one of the sweetest and most dedicated journalists that country music has ever had. Sadly, he died Wednesday night at 45.
Chuck Dauphin and his Life
Dauphin was what could be considered as a rare journalist. He could confidently claim the title “CMA Award Winner.” The Country Music Association bestowed him with its CMA Media Achievement Award backstage during a lull in the telecast in 2014.
The longtime radio and music journalist was a very esteemed figure in Nashville. He was also well-known for his passionate support of country music.
via JAMIE SCHRAMM/CMA/VARIETY
He was a writer of more than 1,000 articles for Billboard and other publications, including Rolling Stone, The Boot, Roughstock, CMA Close Up, At Home Nashville, Country Now, Sounds Like Nashville, and the Dickson County Herald.
His last days at Nashville’s Alive Hospice were filled with the familiar company of his music community friends. John Schneider, who is one of his heroes, former WSM-Nashville DJ and Grand Ole Opry announcer Keith Bilbrey, and country superstar Randy Travis were all there. Travis had some heartfelt words regarding his friend.
“If ever you needed a friend…or a kind word, you could count on Chuck Dauphin. A gentleman through all the years of my career, who always focused on the best in everyone. Chuck was a gift to this world and leaves us all better because he crossed our paths. Rest now in peace and perfect health, Brother Chuck—Forever and Ever, Amen.”
via Chuck Dauphin’s Official Twitter Account
CMA CEO Sarah Trahen expressed to Billboard that Dauphin will be remembered as one of country music’s most beloved journalists.
“We will remember Chuck as first and foremost a true country music fan, second only to his skills as one of our genre’s most beloved journalists. We are grateful to have had the honor of awarding him with our CMA Media Achievement Award in 2014 in addition to his many contributions to CMA Close Up throughout the years.”
via Rick Diamond/Getty Images
The esteemed journalist’s health had declined in the summer of 2018 when he had to have his foot amputated due to complications from diabetes and infection. Up until his timely death, he was in and out of the hospital.
Social media has a way of turning fiction into fact overnight, and the latest victim of misinformation is country legend Martina McBride. A viral claim has been circulating that McBride ...
Rumor has spread that Chris Stapleton filed an “official objection” after Beyoncé won Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys for Cowboy Carter. A supposed quote attributed to him suggests ...
Country music’s most legendary stage is set for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Blake Shelton is taking the reins. The Grand Ole Opry will mark its 100th anniversary with a star-studded NBC ...
Dolly Parton has always stood up for what she believes in—lifting people’s spirits with her music, funding major charitable efforts, and ensuring children have access to books, no matter their ...
Billy Currington has spent decades serenading country music fans with hits like “People Are Cr𝐚zy” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” His smooth vocals, laid-back charm, and undeniable talent have ...
Post Malone didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to go country—he’s been headed down this dirt road for a long time. From his Texas roots to his early ...
Country music has been through a wave of change lately, and not everyone is convinced it’s for the better. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shook the industry, bringing country into the mainstream ...
Riley Green isn’t holding back in his latest music video for “Worst Way,” and fans are feeling some kind of way about it. Known for his rugged country charm and ...
Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. ...
Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is on fire, she’s gearing up for a massive world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback ...
