The Dixie Chicks have dropped the “dixie” part of their name and will here forward be known as just The Chicks. People.com reports the name change separates them from the nickname for the Civil War-era South amid nationwide protests, including the removal of several Confederate statues. A statement on The Chicks' website says, “We want to meet this moment.”
In a statement to People, Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire acknowledged a 1960s pop group from New Zealand of the same name. They said, “A sincere and heartfelt thank you goes out to 'The Chicks' of NZ for their gracious gesture in allowing us to share their name. We are honored to co-exist together in the world with these exceptionally talented sisters. Chicks Rock!”
The name change comes on the heels of Lady A's permanent change from Lady Antebellum.