Rascal Flatts are definitely back. The trio, made up of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney, just wrapped up their Life Is A Highway Tour, which came ahead of their Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets album, out on June 6.
The tour came five years after what was supposed to be their farewell Life Is A Highway Tour in 2020, one that got canceled because of the pandemic. Rascal Flatts originally said their recent tour was a way to reconnect with their fans, and celebrate 25 years as a band. But now, it seems the trio is back together, this time for good.
“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.”
Rascal Flatts might be back together, but they are much different than when they went their separate ways in 2020. Rooney has been sober since 2021, after getting in an accident while inebriated.
“My life and career took a major detour at 4:00 AM in the early morning hours of Sept. 9, 2021 when I ran square into a tree and about killed myself,” Rooney recalled when revealing his sobriety. “I was drunk and I was so far gone with my life – I was completely out of control and finished with trying to fight the fears, depression and anxieties that had spun me out in a way I’ve never experienced before.
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“My drinking had been an issue for many years – and as they say in AA and treatment, it’s a progressive disease,” he continued. “I am living proof that the progressive nature of drinking can really ratchet up and as I grew older as an adult my drinking grew worse.”
Now grateful to be back, Rooney is also thankful for the extended break, and the time he got to spend with his children.
“It was time well spent… to rejuvenate, spend time with my kids, refocus my energy as a father and I’m super thankful for that time,” Rooney tells Audacy. “My connection with my kids has never been better.”
Neither LeVox nor DeMarcus have said it was Rooney that caused their break. But now that alcohol is completely out of his life, Rooney’s two biggest cheerleaders are his bandmates.
“Sober Joe Don is incredible!” Jay DeMarcus tells Taste of Country Nights. “I have to say I’m so proud of him for what he’s been through and what he’s been able to overcome.”
Rascal Flatts have a Top 30 hit with “I Dare You,” their collaboration with the Jonas Brothers.Pre-order Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets, and find all of Rascal Flatts’ music and upcoming shows at RascalFlatts.com.