Darius Rucker Earns A Coveted Spot On The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Rucker says, “it’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Darius Rucker Hollywood Walk Of Fame; Photo by @imagerybyoscar/HCC
Today (December 4), chart-topping country star Darius Rucker received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, describing the milestone as “the biggest thing that’s ever happened to [him],” despite winning three GRAMMY Awards, being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, and more throughout his time in the industry.
Darius Rucker has had quite an illustrious career, rising to stardom as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY-Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, which he started in 1986 with a few of his fellow students during their time at the University of South Carolina. Since their debut, the band sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, including Cracked Rear View, which is one of the top ten best-selling studio albums to date.
After nearly two decades in Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker began his solo career, ultimately becoming one of the most recognizable figures within the industry, releasing country classics like “Wagon Wheel” as a part of his endeavor as a solo artist.
Rucker Received The 2,766th Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Amassing dozens of accolades over the years, Rucker was finally awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a ceremony in Los Angeles, California today, recognizing his success in the category of Recording alongside individuals like Toni Braxton, Def Leppard, Gwen Stefani, and more.
At the ceremony, Rucker shared a touching speech with all of the attendees, expressing his gratitude for this stellar recognition.
Blown Away By The Honor
Opening up his speech, he admitted, “I said before that this is stuff you don’t even dream about when you’re from South Carolina, you know, struggling growing up and just wanting to be a singer. That’s all I ever wanted to be was a singer, but you never dreamed that this stuff is going to happen.”
Rucker continued passionately, “To be here, right here with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I said over there it’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
His Children Were There To Support Him
After sharing a few more words of wisdom, the 57-year-old proceeded to thank his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates, his friends, his managers, his crew, his band, and most importantly, his three children — 27-year-old Caroline Rucker, 22-year-old Daniella Rose Rucker, and 18-year-old Jack Rucker.
“Big time I want to thank my kids, and Beth and Sherry who raised my kids while I was out chasing my dream. Carrie, Dani, and Jack. They’re my heart, they’re my soul, and they’re everything to me, and everything I do is for them… It’s just been an amazing thing to be your father. As great as all this stuff is, it’s not as cool as being your dad, and I really mean that,” he spilled.
On top of his heartwarming speech, dozens of Rucker’s family and friends, including Mike Dungan, former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville, were in attendance at the ceremony, including his children whom he recognized in his speech. The proud father snagged a photo with his three kids after his speech, prior to posing for some solo shots with the 2,766th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Aside from receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry member was recently inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame as well, alongside three prominent members of the music industry – Don McLean, Duane Eddy, and Joe Galante.
Accompanying a photo from the induction ceremony, Rucker wrote via Instagram on October 4, “To all the fans, and the people who listen to music, I can’t thank y’all enough. You guys have given me an amazing life that I love so much. Everything I do, I do for the people who want to hear me play music. Thanks y’all!”
Nonetheless, fans of Darius Rucker can check out his Hollywood Walk of Fame star for themselves at 7065 Hollywood Boulevard, between La Brea and Sycamore Avenues.
Written by
Melanie Rooten
Originally from Southern California and currently residing in Music City, Melanie graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism before beginning her career as a music and entertainment journalist. Beginning to write for Country Now in August of 2023, she has also contributed to Holler, Music Mayhem, Country Chord, Celeb Secrets, Celeb Secrets Country, We Got This Covered and Decider throughout her career thus far. When she is not writing, Melanie enjoys going to concerts and music festivals, binging her favorite television shows, spending time with her friends and family and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners (of course).