Just as the Sugarland's star is rising in country music, one member of the trio has decided to leave the spotlight.

The band broke onto the scene last year with their debut album, Twice the Speed of Life, which has yielded the hit country singles, "Babygirl," "Something More" and "Just Might (Make Me Believe)." In fact, the album was just certified double platinum this month.

But this week, it was announced that bandmember Kristen Hall has decided to leave Sugarland. Hall wrote most of the songs on the cd, as well as playing guitar and singing harmony.

Remaining band members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush released a statement simply stating, "Kristen has decided that she wants to stay home and write songs, and we support her in that decision."

According to the band's record label, Mercury Records, Sugarland will continue as a group and fulfill their commitment to the upcoming Kenny Chesney tour. But the label said they did not know if the band would replace Hall permanently or simply hire someone to fill in onstage and worry about the band dynamics after the tour. That tour is set to start March 23.

Sugarland has also been nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Artist category. The ceremony will take place February 8 and be aired live on CBS.

For more on Sugarland, please visit www.sugarlandmusic.com.

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