Kaitlin Butts has sparked a lively TikTok sensation with her catchy track, “You Ain’t Gotta Be Dead (to Be Dead to Me),” which humorously addresses standing up to toxic people delivered with plenty of sass. The song’s deadpan lyricism has inspired thousands of fans and celebrities – including Ella Langley, Renee Rapp, and Bethenny Frankel – to lip-sync to the track and create viral TikTok videos, boosting attention to Butts and her year-old album, Roadrunner. “No one gets to really choose their viral moment, so I’m really proud that it’s a more traditional country song,” says the Oklahoma-born Butts. “It’s got the Southern charm, but it is standing up to toxic people, with a good message to it. And it’s got fiddle on it. They’re playing fiddle on country radio!” Already a member of the Grand Ole Opry’s Next Stage class of 2025, Butts notes that the surge has amplified her tours with prominent country acts like Lainey Wilson, Sierra Ferrell, Molly Tuttle, Flatland Cavalry, and Wyatt Flores. (Variety)