Thelma & James, aka MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, debut their duet “Happy Ever After You,” a viral hit now streaming.
MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, the Nashville-based married duo affectionately calling themselves Thelma & James, have released their emotional new duet, “Happy Ever After You.” The song, born from their first co-writing session in over a decade, explores the lingering pain of heartbreak through heartfelt lyrics and poignant melodies.
The track gained traction after the pair shared a casual video of the song, which quickly went viral, racking up over five million views nearly overnight. Praise poured in from fans and artists alike, including John Mayer, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile, and Natasha Bedingfield, leading to an official release.
The song’s chorus resonates with its emotional depth:
“I got a hole in my heart damn near the size of Texas and I think you left it
I got a picture of you and me circa 2019
Don’t know why I kept it
I got a story I tell myself until my face is in the blue
But I got no happy ever after you.” 
The duo shared, “We met songwriting, fell in love, and decided to keep our careers separate, but this song came together in such a special way. Sometimes, the best ideas are right under your nose.”
This release caps a successful year for Porter, whose achievements include co-hosting the CCMA Awards with Thomas Rhett, being crowned Female Artist of the Year, and touring alongside Keith Urban and Parker McCollum.
“Happy Ever After You” is now available on all streaming platforms, highlighting the undeniable chemistry of Thelma & James.
