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Who Is Thomas Rhett?
Thomas Rhett is a celebrated American country singer and songwriter whose third album, Life Changes (2017), made a remarkable debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, encompassing all music genres. Renowned for his hit songs such as “Craving You,” “Die A Happy Man,” and “Marry Me,” Rhett received the prestigious Male Vocalist of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2017. His diverse talents extend beyond music, as he has also served as a judge at the Miss America pageant.
Early Life, Parents, and Education
Born Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. in Valdosta, Georgia, on March 30, 1990, Rhett is the son of acclaimed singer-songwriter Rhett Akins. In a 2013 interview, he clarified his decision to use only his first and middle names, stating, “I didn’t leave Akins out to convince people my dad wasn’t my dad. I’ve always been called Thomas Rhett.” Rhett and his father have collaborated on multiple songs, including “Star of the Show,” which reached No. 1 in 2017. Additionally, Akins co-wrote “It Goes Like This,” Rhett’s first chart-topping single in 2013. The album Life Changes also features Akins on the track “Drink a Little Beer.”
The demands of his father’s musical career contributed to his parents’ divorce when he was nine. Rhett initially promised his mother he would not pursue a similar path, but he ultimately recognized that music was his true calling, receiving his mother’s support along the way.
Rhett attended Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he began studying business before shifting his focus to communications. Throughout his education, he maintained his connection to music, participating in a cover band and previously playing drums in a punk rock band during high school. After securing a publishing deal, he made the pivotal decision to drop out of college at the age of 20.
Music Career and Notable Songs
Rhett signed his first record deal at the age of 21, influenced by a wide array of artists, including Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, The Rolling Stones, and various rap musicians.
Prior to his recording career, Rhett built a reputation as a songwriter, co-writing several tracks for notable artists such as Jason Aldean (“I Ain’t Ready to Quit”), Florida Georgia Line (“Round Here”), and Scotty McCreery (“Write Your Number on My Hand”). He is credited as a co-writer on many of his own successful songs, including “Marry Me,” “Die a Happy Man,” and “Unforgettable.”
“Marry Me”
The inspiration for “Marry Me” stemmed from Rhett’s contemplation of what it would be like to remain silent about his feelings for his wife, potentially witnessing her marry someone else. In 2018, the song became his tenth No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
“Craving You”
Released as the lead single from Life Changes, “Craving You,” featuring Maren Morris, showcases a pop-infused sound while remaining rooted in Rhett’s country heritage. He described his musical inclination, stating, “I definitely gravitate in a pop direction, but at the end of the day, there is no changing this voice that God gave me. It’s Southern by the grace of God.”
“Die a Happy Man”
Inspired by his wife Lauren, “Die a Happy Man” is a single from Rhett’s second album, Tangled Up (2015). Rhett revealed to People magazine, “I really did just wake up one day and was like, ‘I have yet to write a song about her.'” The music video, featuring Lauren, has garnered over 100 million views on YouTube, and the song dominated the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an impressive 17 weeks. Hip-hop artist Nelly even created a cover version due to his admiration for the track.
“Unforgettable”
This single, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2017, depicts a man’s recollection of the night he met his wife. Although it touches on themes of love, Rhett clarified that the song is “not really super personal to me and Lauren’s story.”
Albums
Rhett’s debut album, It Goes Like This (2013), achieved considerable success, peaking at No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Its follow-up, Tangled Up (2015), produced four No. 1 singles.
Life Changes
His third album, Life Changes (2017), draws inspiration from pivotal moments in his life and made history as Rhett became the first country artist to top the Billboard 200 chart that year. He received the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2017 and was nominated again in 2018.
Center Point Road
Released in May 2019, Rhett’s fourth album, Center Point Road, features the lead single “Look What God Gave Her,” which peaked at No. 5 on the Hot Country Songs chart. The album received a nomination for Best Country Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Country Again: Side A
Rhett’s fifth studio album, Country Again: Side A, was released in April 2021 and serves as the first part of a double album, with Side B anticipated later that year.
Awards
“Die a Happy Man” earned Rhett his first Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year, along with his first Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year; he was also nominated for a Grammy Award for the same song. Additionally, Life Changes was nominated for Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and for Best Country Album at the Grammy Awards. In 2021, Rhett won the Male Artist of the Year award at the ACMs.
Personal Life
On October 12, 2012, Rhett married Lauren Gregory, now known as Lauren Akins. Their long history began in kindergarten, continued through shared experiences at church camp, and briefly included dating in high school.
While attending college, Rhett and Lauren explored other relationships but ultimately reconnected at a graduation party in 2011, where Rhett, encouraged by Lauren’s father, confessed his feelings. They became engaged in December 2011.
In 2016, Lauren joined the non-profit organization 147 Million Orphans on a trip to Uganda, where she encountered an orphaned baby girl. At that time, the couple was contemplating adoption due to challenges in conceiving. After Rhett saw a photo of Lauren with the baby, he suggested they pursue adoption.
While navigating the complex international adoption process, the couple was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lauren was pregnant. They successfully completed the adoption of 18-month-old Willa Gray in May 2017, shortly before welcoming their second daughter, Ada James, on August 12, 2017. Their family grew again in February 2020 with the birth of their third daughter, Lennon Love.
In May 2021, Rhett and Lauren announced they were expecting their fourth daughter in November 2021.