[Music] Be Mary – Chris Chitsey & Bee Smith
Fresh off a major win, Chris Chitsey and Bee Smith are turning their attention toward the Christmas season with their inspiring new Christian-country duet, “Be Mary,” released via Clinetel Nashville Records and distributed by SONY/The Orchard. Produced by acclaimed Nashville hitmaker D. Scott Miller.
Be Mary – Chris Chitsey & Bee Smith
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Chitsey and Smith recently took home Vocal Event of the Year at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards, held at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, for “Summer Before The Fall.” The duet was also nominated for Song of the Year, capping an impressive run that included reaching No. 1 on the World Indie Music Top 100 Chart and earning the 2026 World Songwriting Award for Best Music Collaboration.
Written by Thornton Cline and Sami Jo Furniss, “Be Mary” draws inspiration from the Biblical story of Mary and offers a message about trusting God when circumstances are uncertain, finding hope when life feels heavy, and remaining open to His presence even when things do not unfold according to plan.
Rather than focusing solely on the celebration and nostalgia often associated with Christmas, “Be Mary” acknowledges that the holiday season can also be difficult. Through its message, the song reaches out to those experiencing loneliness, grief, fear or weariness, reminding listeners that joy and purpose can exist even amid imperfect circumstances.
Its central refrain encourages listeners to follow Mary’s example of faith when the “weight of the world” feels especially heavy, while later lyrics urge them to remain open to love even when it may not make sense.
“After the incredible year Bee and I have shared with ‘Summer Before The Fall,’ we wanted our next collaboration to mean something beyond charts, awards or accolades,” shares Chitsey. “‘Be Mary’ is about faith when you don’t have all the answers. Mary’s story reminds us that God can be working in our lives even when the circumstances in front of us don’t make sense. My hope is that someone who may be struggling this Christmas hears this song and is reminded that they’re never without hope.”
“What touched me most about ‘Be Mary’ is that it doesn’t simply tell the Christmas story — it asks us to think about the extraordinary faith behind it,” adds Smith. “Mary faced uncertainty with courage, humility and complete trust in God. That message feels just as relevant today. Christmas can be a beautiful season, but it can also be a difficult one for so many people. If this song can bring someone a little peace, strength or renewed faith when they need it most, then we’ve accomplished something truly special.”
Together, their contrasting musical backgrounds have created a vocal partnership that connects audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. “Summer Before The Fall” showcased that chemistry, while “Be Mary” reveals a more spiritual side of their collaboration.
Chitsey, has built a career spanning more than three decades, with worldwide No. 1 studio singles across four different decades. Earlier this year, “Where Ya Been Girl,” written by Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip, became his 11th worldwide No. 1. Its accompanying video also earned the 2026 International Singer-Songwriters Association GOLD Award for Music Video of the Year.
Beyond the music, the Texas native continues to partner with brands that reflect his connection to craftsmanship, heritage, and lifestyle culture, including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Deep Eddy Vodka, Marriott International, Inc., Chuck Norris’s CForce Premium Artesian Water, American Hat Makers, Molly’s Custom Silver and TEXITCoin.
Additionally, Smith was named the 2025 ISSA International Female Songwriter of the Year and has earned nine Josie Music Awards nominations across 2025 and 2026. She continues to strengthen her Nashville ties through her songwriting relationship and publishing agreement with Thornton Cline Music.
