Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus Advocates for Separation of Entertainment and Politics
“I am one of those people that believes entertainment and politics shouldn’t mix,” he says.

Jay DeMarcus; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
Jay DeMarcus, best known for his time in Rascal Flatts, is opening up about his stance on entertainment and politics and how, in his opinion, the two should remain separate. The multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and vocalist expressed his opinion on social media, elaborating on how he believes entertainers should allow fans to enjoy their art without trying to influence their political beliefs.
“I am one of those people that believes entertainment and politics shouldn’t mix,” he began in a statement posted Thursday. “When I go to the movies to see my favorite actor, or go to a concert to enjoy some great music, I want to enjoy his or her’s art without it being convoluted by them telling me who I should or shouldn’t vote for.”
While DeMarcus says he understands and respects that some artists “feel the need to use their platforms to influence people” he says he never has and doesn’t plan to.

What that being said, he believes that the current political climate is particularly divisive and said he finds himself saddened that the American people “cannot find more common ground.”
“God knows both sides of the isle (sic) have their issues,” he went on to acknowledge and later added, “That is why I think it is even more important to not believe the lies of the media. Edited clips, comments taken out of context to fit narratives, information presented as facts that are blatant lies are common place.”
He urged individuals to engage in their own fact-finding efforts and do their own research rather than blindly following media narratives, friends, or even family members.
“Do not be a follower. Do not listen to your friends. Don’t even listen to your family! Whatever you do, don’t take what some talking head on TV says as the Gospel truth. My message is simple-do your own fact finding, do your own research, learn where candidates stand on issues, you might be surprised by what you find,” he wrote.
In closing, DeMarcus encouraged those reading his post to get out and vote.
“One of the greatest liberties we have as Americans is WE THE PEOPLE get to choose who our leaders are,” he stated. “We have a voice!!! So vote your conscious, vote your heart, vote your convictions but vote knowing WHAT you’re voting for!!”

Jay DeMarcus’ post was flooded with comments as many people applauded him for his way of thinking.
“I wish everyone in the entertainment world felt this way. I like them better when they don’t involve politics,” one Instagram user wrote.
Another added, “Jay I agree when I go to a concert I am not paying to attend a political rally and quite frankly I have not gone to some concerts because of this. I go to enjoy the music that’s it.”
The 2024 United States Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 5. Early voting and absentee voting and vote-by-mail options are also available. Visit USA.gov to learn more.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.