Stand By Your Man

song by Wynette and Sherill

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

"Stand by Your Man" is the most famous song by Tammy Wynette, often called the "first lady of country music". Released in 1968, the song quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the country charts and the top 20 of the pop charts.12

The song's lyrics, which some critics interpreted as anti-feminist, sparked controversy. Wynette herself defended the song, stating in her autobiography that she was emotionally dependent on men and did not want it any other way. Producer Billy Sherrill also defended it, calling the lyrics "just another way of saying 'I love you'—without reservations". The controversy surrounding the song resurfaced in 1992 when Hillary Clinton made a comment about it during her husband Bill Clinton's presidential campaign. Despite the controversy, Wynette's powerful vocal performance in "Stand by Your Man" has been praised as one of the most passionate in country music history.12

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Tammy Wynette
Success and controversy with Stand by Your Man
…she wrote the anthem “Stand by Your Man,” which quickly jumped to the top of the country music charts and reached the top 20 of the pop chart. The song won her another Grammy, for best female country and western solo vocal performance, and she was named the Country…
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…she wrote the anthem “Stand by Your Man,” which quickly jumped to the top of the country music charts and reached the top 20 of the pop chart. The song won her another Grammy, for best female country and western solo vocal performance, and she was named the Country…
Read More