We now know who the newest member of Runaway June is, replacing founding member Naomi Cooke, who left the award-winning trio earlier this year to launch her solo career. Runaway June, which includes Jennifer Wayne and Natalie Stovall, announced on social media that Stevie Woodward has officially joined the group.
“Y’all welcome Stevie… we can’t wait until y’all fall in love with her as much as we have!!” Runaway June shared. “It’s been so hard to keep it a secret, but we can’t wait to share the music we’ve been working on!!! Get ready for some harmonies and dueling solos!!! We’ll see you on the road soon!!!”
Y’all welcome Stevie… we can’t wait until y’all fall in love with her as much as we have!! It’s been so hard to keep it a secret, but we can’t wait to share the music we’ve been working on!!! Get ready for some harmonies and dueling solos!!! We’ll see you on the road soon!!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NSw6dJZpNS
— Runaway June (@runawayjune) April 7, 2022
Woodward is a singer-songwriter who moved to Nashville to pursue music full-time, studying songwriting at Middle Tennessee State University. She spoke out about the invitation on Facebook.
“Pinch me please. So honored to be the newest member of Runaway June,” she wrote. “Cannot wait for the next chapter of life, and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else!”
In February, Cooke announced on Instagram that she was leaving Runaway June to make music on her own.
“I am incredibly excited to officially be able to announce that I am taking a new musical journey as a solo artist, and I am beyond excited to share new stories and music with you,” Cooke wrote. It has been 7 wonderful years as the lead singer of Runaway June, and I am so grateful for the memories and time well spent with my bandmates, Hannah, Jen and Natalie.
“It has been extremely hard to keep quiet about what I’ve been up to, and I cannot wait to share everything with you all very soon!!” she continued. “I miss you guys so much, and can’t wait to see y’all out on the road. I love you guys so much I could burst.”
Only one day after Cooke’s announcement, Wayne and Stovall hinted they already had a third member in place.
Stay tuned 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ROhcMDzYH2
— Runaway June (@runawayjune) February 25, 2022
Runaway June began with Cooke, Wayne and Hannah Mulholland. Mulholland announced in May of 2020 that she was leaving the group to pursue solo interests. Shortly after Mulholland’s departure, Cooke and Wayne revealed that Stovall would be joining Runaway June, to fill the spot vacated by Mulholland.
“It really does feel like she’s been here the whole time,” Wayne told Everything Nash of adding Stovall. “It just feels like it’s always been us three in it, and it hasn’t … but when I think about it, my bus is Natalie and Naomi. It’s just crazy how it’s just so natural, and her energy is amazing. She’s the hardest worker. She shows up on time for everything. She’s just awesome. She pushes us to be better.”
Wayne and her husband, Austin Moody, are expecting their first child, a girl, in a few weeks. Their next scheduled performance is May 10 at the Grand Ole Opry. Find music and tour dates at RunawayJune.com.
