A rising group of young filmmakers in Nashville is shaping the look of today’s music videos and short documentaries. Among them, Gracie Frances Penner stands out for one reason: her work feels real. Her black-and-white style, quiet storytelling, and focus on everyday moments make her films different from the highly polished videos the city is known for. Many people first recognize her as Gretchen Wilson’s daughter, but her career shows she is building her own path in the industry.
Quick Biography Reference
| Full Name | Gracie Frances Penner (professionally: Grace McKinney) |
| Birth Date | November 9, 2000 |
| Parents | Country singer Gretchen Wilson and Mike Penner |
| Hometown | Franklin, Tennessee |
| Education | Belmont University, B.A. in Motion Pictures (2022) |
| Career | Filmmaker, video editor, colorist, founder of Eight Paw Media |
| Known For | Editing music videos, documentary work, black-and-white candid photography |
| Spouse | Taite McKinney (married October 2024) |
| Based In | Nashville / Franklin, TN |
Who Is Gracie Frances Penner?
Gracie Frances Penner was born at a major turning point in her mother’s career. On the same day Gretchen Wilson signed her record deal, she also became a mom. That mix of music success and new parenthood shaped much of Gracie’s early life. She grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, close to Nashville’s music scene, but her childhood included regular school days mixed with time spent backstage, on tour buses, and at red-carpet events.
Her name carries weight in country music circles, but her story has shifted since her October 2024 wedding, where she took the name Grace McKinney. While many still search for her under “Gracie Frances Penner,” she now uses her married name professionally. This change marks the start of a new chapter—one driven by her work rather than family background.
Her Path Into Filmmaking
Grace’s interest in visual storytelling grew stronger in high school and became her main focus at Belmont University. When she graduated in 2022, she became the first person in her family to complete college, a milestone both she and her mother have spoken about with pride. Gretchen Wilson even earned her GED later in life so she could help with homework, showing how closely connected they have always been.
After graduation, Grace stepped into Nashville’s production world. Instead of relying on her mother’s fame, she built her work through skill and steady performance. Her early credits include editing and coloring music videos, short films, branded projects, and documentaries. Notable work includes editing the healthcare documentary “It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Healthcare” and her mother’s music video “Little Miss Runner Up.”
Her Creative Style and Approach
Grace’s work is marked by a simple but bold aesthetic: candid, black-and-white imagery. While Nashville often favors bright, polished visuals, she chooses a softer, natural look. Her interest lies in catching real moments—quiet interactions, small gestures, and unscripted reactions.
In editing, she blends performance shots with behind-the-scenes footage to create a story around the artist rather than only focusing on the song. The result feels personal and human. This approach reflects documentary trends but applied to music videos and branded work, which makes her voice stand out among other creators in the region.
Family Life and Personal Journey
Being Gretchen Wilson’s daughter shaped Grace’s early experiences, but not in the way many assume. She didn’t grow up in constant glamour. Instead, she watched her mother juggle long tours, single parenthood, and school commitments. Gretchen often brought Grace on the road, giving her an early look at the hard work behind music careers.
Their bond strengthened through shared work. When Grace edited her mother’s projects, it was not mere family favor; it reflected years of watching Gretchen build a career from the ground up. Her 2024 marriage to Taite McKinney—who appeared on The Masked Singer—added new energy to the family and marked her professional shift to the name Grace McKinney.
Education and Career Foundation
Belmont University’s Motion Pictures program taught Grace technical skills and story craft. The lessons in lighting, editing, sound, and structure became the backbone of her work. The program also built connections—peers and mentors who later became collaborators in Nashville’s indie scene.
Graduating as a first-generation college student mattered beyond the diploma. It showed a family expanding into new fields and gave Grace a clear technical foundation that sets her apart from many second-generation entertainers who skip formal training.
Eight Paw Media: Her Growing Production Company
In February 2024, Grace launched Eight Paw Media, a full-service production company based in Franklin. The company offers editing, color grading, graphics, and post-production supervision. Nashville’s small-budget music market needs flexible teams, and Grace’s multi-skilled approach fits that need well.
Eight Paw Media reflects a modern trend: lean teams that handle many parts of production. Grace’s ability to shoot, edit, and color gives clients a full package without the cost of larger houses. Her work on projects outside her mother’s catalog, such as Jessie G’s “Timeless” video, shows her reach beyond family ties.
Recent Projects and Industry Recognition
Although not yet a household name, Grace is respected in Nashville’s film and music circles. She continues to work on documentaries, artist videos, and branded content. Her talent for shaping narratives in the editing room helps her win steady work in a competitive market.
Lifestyle and Financial Standing
Grace leads a grounded lifestyle that fits Nashville’s creative class. She works from home studios, collaborates with independent artists, and builds her company step by step. Unlike many celebrity children, her path appears self-directed without clear signs of family-funded backing.
At 24, with a new production company, her net worth is modest and aligns with other young filmmakers building a brand. Her income mainly comes from editing contracts, color grading, photography sessions, and other post-production work.
Final Thoughts
Gracie Frances Penner—now Grace McKinney—has become one of Nashville’s promising young filmmakers. Her journey blends family history, higher education, and hands-on experience. Rather than relying on fame, she is shaping a career defined by skill, a clear artistic voice, and steady work ethic.
With Eight Paw Media and a growing list of credits, Grace is steadily carving her place as a storyteller who captures honest, human moments. Her future projects will likely keep highlighting what makes her work special: simple, real stories told through a filmmaker’s eye.
