Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren Akins are approaching a milestone in their relationship. On Oct. 12, they will celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary.
The “Die A Happy Man” singer recently sat down with his record label to reflect on the aspects of his musical journey and relationship that inspired the tracks on his latest record, Where We Started.
“With the whole outlook of ‘Where We Started.’ For me, I kinda look back to when I first started in this career, when I first got married, and just lookin’ at Lauren and being like, dang,” he laughed. “10 years ago, you and I were riding in a Sprinter van with eight other dudes in my band, and we were doing 300 shows a year.”
The platinum-selling artist and his wife have the kind of love story everyone looks up to, but like all relationships, they had their own set of obstacles to overcome. They first met in kindergarten and as Rhett sings in his wholesome track, “Life Changes,” he’s been “waiting on her since the second grade.” They officially started dating in 2011 and just six months later, he proposed. Then, at 22 years old, they tied the knot in 2012.
Rhett had been warned by his team that getting married might not be the best move for his career, but nevertheless, he followed his heart.
During his recent interview, the country star thought back to this point in his life and knowing what he does now, he shared the advice he would give his younger self if he could go back in time.
“Looking at our life now with four children and, by the grace of God, had a little bit of success in this business, and it’s kinda wild to look back and ask yourself, if I could tell my 21-year-old self, this is where you’re going to be, this is crazy,” he said.
He is no stranger to sharing all the ups and downs of his life in his music. Songs like “Die A Happy Man,” “Look What Got Gave Her” and “Sweetheart” are just a few examples of how his marriage didn’t ruin his career like many said it would. Instead, their relationship has become idolized by his fanbase.
Rhett’s sixth studio album, Where We Started, features more love songs to add to his resume in addition to the handful of collaborations with artists that include Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard, Russell Dickerson, and Katy Perry.
His new music has been reaching crowds throughout his entire nationwide Bring The Bar to You Tour with special guests Parker McCollum and Conner Smith. This trek of shows will wrap on Oct. 15 in Dayton, OH. Thomas Rhett will only have a short break off the road because on Feb. 9, 2023, he will be heading out for the Canadian leg of his tour. For these 10 shows, he will be accompanied by Jordan Davis and Kameron Marlowe.
“It’s been an absolute blast being back out on the road this summer and we are so excited to take the tour to Canada next year,” said Rhett. “It feels like forever since we were last able to play for those fans. They always bring an insane amount of energy and we cannot wait to get up there and see them again.”
