Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Luke Bryan’s Mom LeClaire and Wife Caroline Share Crazy Travel Stories With The American Idol Judge

Luke Bryan is a country superstar and American Idol judge, but behind the scenes, his biggest fans are undoubtedly his mother, LeClaire, and his wife, Caroline. The dynamic duo recently sat down for a lively chat on the Got It From My Momma Podcast with Jennifer Vickery Smith, providing a glimpse into the often hilarious and unpredictable adventures they’ve shared with Luke on the road.

LeClaire and Caroline often join him on the road and opened up about the adventures along the way. During the live recording of the podcast, LeClaire and Caroline detailed to us in the live Q&A a few wild travel escapades they shared with the country superstar.

Luke Bryan's Mom LeClaire and Wife Caroline Crazy Travel Stories
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

Caroline Bryan also reflected on the apprehension associated with Hollywood involvement, admitting to initial fears about Luke’s American Idol journey. However, she acknowledges that the experience surpassed her expectations, noting how smoothly everything has unfolded.

Checkout the Q&A below with LeClaire and Caroline.

How did you feel when Luke & Caroline told you that he was going to do American Idol? That’s a big deal. 

LeClaire Bryan: I have to go back to that because I was at Luke & Caroline’s at the beach. I was sitting down there in my little camper; they bought me a little camper and that was my private bedroom. Caroline walked down there and she said, “Mama, I just don’t know about Luke doing this American Idol stuff. What do you think?” I said, “Luke is doing this because he’s always wanting to make things better for y’all. It’s not about Luke; it’s about the family and doing stuff to make it better for them.” I know it’s hard on Caroline, not having Luke home. It’s been hard on Caroline since she married Luke. Luke’s gone a lot and she’s there with the children. She’s done amazing.

Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

You were a little hesitant with what you were getting yourselves into with American Idol. 

Caroline Bryan: “Every time you get involved with the whole LA stuff you just get a little scared. It’s gone smoother than I ever thought. I was scared. I was. It’s been fine.” 

Luke Bryan's Mom LeClaire and Wife Caroline Crazy Travel Stories
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel Addict

What is your craziest travel story with Luke?

LeClaire Bryan: I had a fabulous time in the Dominican Republic. That was my favorite. And Hawaii for American Idol because I was with Katy (Perry) and Lionel (Richie) and Luke and all them. It was just fun.

Caroline Bryan: One of my craziest stories, I’ll keep it short. Luke likes to surprise me with not the whole truth. He obviously loves to fish and hunt. I’m from a family of boys. I’ve been on so many fishing/hunting trips. This one year for Luke’s birthday, he gets to pick what we do and he tells me we’re going to go on this five star fishing trip. There’s going to be a nice hotel, you can go play around, there’s a spa. And I’m like, okay, let’s go. 

We show up, hop into a boat. I’m on a boat for eight hours. Swear to God, I’m burnt. We get to the site, it’s a camping site. We crawl through bushes. Tate has cut his leg. There is no indoor plumbing. Our shower was a spring that was 55 degrees and so I pretty much had to tinkle in a bush for two and a half days and sleep on a cot with Tate and Tate kicks. Straight up camping. There was no glamping. There was no resort. And I was like, he did it again. He got me. Once as we were going down a river, our guide goes, this is where like one hundred people have died. And I went, Luke did it again.

Nothing five star about that. 
Caroline Bryan: I don’t even care about five-star, but at least indoor plumbing. Give me a toilet. I’ll bathe in a spring, just give me a toilet.

Latest

Princess Cruises Celebrates Diamond Anniversary with The Temptations

Princess Cruises is celebrating its diamond anniversary with a...

Beachfront Bliss: Relax, Dine, and Unwind at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort

The Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort was our latest...

CMA Fest Daily Lineups Released + Tickets On-Sale Now

CMA Fest, which is partnering with SoFi for the...

Newsletter

Don't miss

Princess Cruises Celebrates Diamond Anniversary with The Temptations

Princess Cruises is celebrating its diamond anniversary with a...

Beachfront Bliss: Relax, Dine, and Unwind at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort

The Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort was our latest...

CMA Fest Daily Lineups Released + Tickets On-Sale Now

CMA Fest, which is partnering with SoFi for the...

Scenic Views, Fresh Air, and More: The Perks of Seeing the World by Boat

From cruise ships to sailing trips, there are many...
Amy Harris
Amy Harris is a writer and photographer who has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 2 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. She is a freelance photographer for Invision by Associated Press, AP Images and Rex/Shutterstock. Her work can be seen in various publications and websites including: Rolling Stone, AP Images, National Geographic Books, Fodor’s Travel Guides, Forbes.com, Lonely Planet Travel Guides, JetStar magazine, and Delta Sky Magazine.

Princess Cruises Celebrates Diamond Anniversary with The Temptations

Princess Cruises is celebrating its diamond anniversary with a special 14-day voyage featuring The Temptations. The 60th Anniversary cruise will depart from the Port...

Country Newcomer Vincent Mason Talks Viral Hits, Tour Life, and the Wildest Travel Story You’ll Hear All Year

Vincent Mason is an up and coming country artist from Roswell, Georgia. His style fits right into the new mainstream pop-sounding-country. At just 24-years-old,...

Beachfront Bliss: Relax, Dine, and Unwind at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort

The Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort was our latest home away from home before we set sail on our recent cruise. The building was...