I don't really disagree with you to an extent. A lot of younger people don't remember the early careers of people like Kenny Rodgers. Old Hootie came over to country too as you mentioned as did Ronstadt.
But as you eluded to, I don't actually think it's always about them wishing to be a country artist. I think it's far more about finding a way to extend their careers. Also, in the past it seemed like there was at least an effort on the part of artists to "pretend to be and to sound" country. An attempt to at least fit in. It doesn't quite seem that way so much anymore. I'll use Dan and Shay as an example. There's nothing close to country about it. No attempt to make it sound or look like country at all. That has seemed to become far more normal in today's country music than I've ever seen before. But hey, it's bringing in the bucks!
I can’t post a link because of language but do a Google search… Bo Burnham Country Song
It speaks directly to your post.
