If you are someone who likes to wear cowboy hats and groove to the tunes of pure country music joy, then you must know the once-upon-a-time popular band “Rascal Flatts.” The band included Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney. The trio knew how to bring the party to any stage. With their infectious energy, catchy tunes, and a twang that will make your boots start tapping, the trio’s Rascal Flatts has made a name for themselves.
Even though it has been a while since Rascal Flatts decided to take retirement, the three members of the band still support each other through their ups and downs. Recently, Jay DeMarcus, one of the bandmates, is happily celebrating a big accomplishment in the personal life of his friend and former bandmate, Joe Don Rooney.
In an interview with Savannah Chrisley’s “Unlocked With Savannah Chrisley” podcast DeMarcus shared some uplifting news about his former bandmate and friend Joe Don Rooney. DeMarcus revealed that Rooney had made a great personal achievement by becoming sober, and he has successfully kept up his sobriety for nearly two years.
DeMarcus praises Rooney’s determination to be clean over the months.
Jay DeMarcus spoke openly about Joe Don Rooney’s challenging past, including his highly controversial arrest and DUI charge in the fall of 2021. However, DeMarcus candidly expressed his pure happiness and admiration for Rooney’s progress since then.
He mentioned that Rooney is now 19 months sober and in a better state than he has been in the last decade. DeMarcus also said that Rooney is savoring the peacefulness that comes with getting over the addiction and is currently rediscovering how to live life without its grip.
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Also read: Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney Filed For Divorce: The Ultimate Reason Behind It.
DeMarcus shows his utter happiness, saying, “So, (I’m) really, really, proud of him and where he’s at right now.”
During the fall of 2021, Gary LeVox, the lead singer of the band, revealed that Joe Don Rooney’s decision to part ways from the band partially split the band. This was something of a shock because when they initially announced their separation to fans, they had stated that it was due to a mutual decision and they wanted to pursue independent careers.
In this recent interview, Jay DeMarcus said that even though Rooney has made positive developments in his personal life, it would still be very challenging to reunite the band. While Rooney’s sobriety and personal victories are truly uplifting, DeMarcus hints that the process of reuniting Rascal Flatts would require time and effort.
“There are just so many steps that would have to take place in order for us to get back to even talking about it,” DeMarcus says. “I think the further we get away from it, the harder it is to put it back together.”
Rascal Flatt’s revival isn’t going to be easy.
When discussing Rascal Flatt’s revival, Jay DeMarcus maintains an open mindset, but he also accepts the fact that the road to this journey is not easy. He knows that reuniting the band would be a difficult task, particularly because the band members do not communicate on a regular basis. Plus, the member’s solo pursuits keep them occupied. Gary LeVox has released a couple of gospel-leaning solo projects. DeMarcus, on the other side, is involved with his own venture, Red Street Records.
Also read: Why Did Rascal Flatts Break Up & Where Are The Guys Now?
DeMarcus admits that Gary LeVox is currently pursuing his own path and enjoying the autonomy that comes with being in charge and making decisions. He holds no ill feelings for Gary or for his choices.
DeMarcus recognizes the challenges that a lead singer faces who must consider the opinions and input of bandmates, given the collaborative nature of being in a group. He shows his understanding and imagines that it must be freeing for Gary LeVox to now have the freedom to do things his own way.
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