December 7 is a special day for Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, who now make up Dan + Shay. It was on this day in 2012 that the two first met, sparking a strong friendship, which quickly turned into becoming one of country music’s biggest acts.

“We met exactly 10 years ago today (December 7, 2012) and our lives were forever changed,” Dan + Shay shared on social media, as a photo montage of their decade together appeared, backed by their debut single, “19 You + Me.” “With your love + support, we’ve been able to accomplish so many incredible things that we’ve dreamed of since we were little kids. The one thing that has been a constant throughout our decade long journey is our friendship. More importantly than anything else, we’re genuinely just two best friends who get to do what we love together and we wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“As we’re currently working on our 5th album, our relationship is stronger than it’s ever been and our sense of gratitude is at an all-time high,” the duo continued. “Looking through these photos this morning brought back so many memories and tears, but we feel like we’re only just getting started. We’re more focused than ever and know our best music is yet to come. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU.”

 

Dan + Shay, who recently won the American Music Award for Favorite Country Duo or Group for the fourth year in a row, have been very vocal about their admiration and respect for each other, on and off stage.

“It’s turned into more of a brother situation. We’re family at this point,” Mooney told People. “We work so well together because, in the best of ways, we couldn’t be more opposite human beings. I’m a pretty optimistic guy, but I’m all over the place. Dan’s a realist and he keeps me grounded. I make Dan have a little more fun than he normally would.”

Although neither Smyers nor Mooney planned on being a duo when they moved to Nashville, now they can’t imagine their careers as any other way but doing it together.

I can’t even imagine being able to do this without Shay,” Mooney said. “It’s just this intangible thing. The sum is bigger than the parts. That’s something I’ll never take for granted. The music industry is a giant emotional rollercoaster and it can take a toll on your mental health. There’s no one who can truly relate to what you’re going through. But we have each other.

Dan + Shay are currently enjoying a Top 30 single with “You,” from their latest Good Things album. Find music and tour dates at DanandShay.com.