Jay DeMarcus is a big, big fan of Jason Aldean. The Rascal Flatts singer is opening up about their lengthy friendship, after Aldean joined the trio on their latest Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets album, to sing “Fast Cars and Freedom.”
“Jason is a wonderful human being,” DeMarcus boasts to Taste of Country Nights. “He’s a great friend. And it’s been really fun to watch over the years … to watch his star continue to rise. I’m proud of him. He’s a good, good dude.”
DeMarcus and Aldean are such good friends that DeMarcus has been to Aldean’s massive house, a house that is so big, DeMarcus got lost in it!
“I got lost in it,” DeMarcus says with a laugh. “I couldn’t find my way out. I thought he was trying to kidnap me at first.”
DeMarcus’s friendship with Aldean goes back almost 20 years. It was Aldean who toured with Rascal Flatts in 2006, as the first act on the tour, followed by Blake Shelton, who was the official opener. One year later, Aldean also opened for the trio, on their Still Feels Good Tour.
The Future of Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts surprised fans when they announced their Life Is A Highway Tour last fall. The group, which also includes Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney, planned a farewell tour in 2020, which didn’t happen because of the pandemic. Their latest tour began in early 2025, which was followed by their star-studded Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets album, joined by artists like Shelton, Carly Pearce, the Backstreet Boys and more to sing new versions of some of their biggest hits.
Part of the reason for Rascal Flatts’ split was Rooney, who got sober in 2021. Although the Flatts have yet to issue an official statement about their future, it does seem like they will be making music for years to come.
“I don’t think we’ll ever be one of those bands that can’t play and make music somehow,” DeMarcus says. “And it may be years from now that we’re just doing the Opry a few times a year, and old men just sitting on our porch, getting around playing with our guitars. But I think the three of us will be making music somehow until one of us kicks the bucket.”
Since it was Rooney who was the driving force behind the split, due to his drinking, with Rooney now excited to be back together, their future in country music seems certain.
“It’s like a big piece of myself was missing,” Rooney tells the CMA. “Jumping back in with these guys again, being on tour the first three months this year, and then being back at CMA Fest, it feels like it’s back, like the piece has been put back in place. It’s so special.”
Rascal Flatts’ “I Dare You” with the Jonas Brothers is in the Top 25. Find Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets and all of Rascal Flatts’ music and upcoming shows at RascalFlatts.com.