In The Aftermath of the death of someone in their circle, lives are changed forever in the world of "Nashville," and a new mystery arises. Kelly Clarkson guest stars as herself and makes Gunnar and Scarlett a once-in-a-lifetime offer. Juliette's reputation takes another body blow as creative video editing seems to show her proclaiming there is no God, further fueling her detractors. Rayna's bought herself out of Edgehill, but the the pressure to succeed is greater than ever, and Deacon struggles to write during his sobriety and relative stability and finds help from Maddie and Daphne.

Jeff is forced to revisit his past when he is faced with his ex-fiancee. Maddie struggles with the news about Deacon's illness. Juliette is eager to get back to work after the birth of her daughter.

Juliette hits a career high, including singing a duet with Steven Tyler, but her personal life plummets; Avery takes care of baby Cadence at his parents' home in Texas; Rayna deals with the aftermath of Deacon's liver transplant.

Juliette gets into a brawl with a fan that goes viral, but Jeff sees damage control as an opening for his own career. Maddie is grounded and misses Colt who is on tour with his dad. Markus butts heads with Rayna over his sound, and the two consider whether they can continue working together.

Luke and Riff are excitedly planning their upcoming tour, but Luke soon realizes he may have moved too quickly in the decision to have Riff on the road again. Meanwhile, Deacon and Frankie clash about Vita, with Frankie making a damaging decision that could change everything.

Rayna and Deacon face a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 is struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.

With Deacon and the artists of Highway 65 taking a stand, Zach sends a message. Maddie and Juliette's conflict comes to a head. Daphne goes to a pool party. Gunnar returns from Avery's tour.