Joe Don Rooney Discusses His Journey To Sobriety As He Celebrates Three Years Of Being Sober
Joe Don Rooney’s life took a dramatic turn in 2021 when he was charged with a DUI.
The Rascal Flatts guitarist posted on X, revealing the details of his DUI, saying, “My life and career took a major detour at 4a in the early morning hours of Sep 9, 2021, when I ran square into a tree and about killed myself.”
The artist’s brush with death brought into stark reality the gravity of his problem. He goes on to say that his drinking had been an issue for many years, but he had not addressed it until his arrest. He said of that moment, “I was drunk, and I was so far gone with my life – I was completely out of control.”
Rooney joined AA and mentioned in his post that the progressive disease was a byproduct of “fears, depression, and anxieties that had spun me out in a way I’ve never experienced before.” He then got honest with his fans about his shortcomings:
“I was not a good father – I was not a good husband – and I was not a good band mate to my business partners. I probably would’ve never taken responsibility for any of this if it hadn’t been for my car wreck on Sep 9, 2021.”
The guitarist’s recent post is a testament to his desire to improve. He is honest about his flaws and the journey of sobriety that he is on. The artist shares his belief that God was protecting him that night.
“Fortunately, (and I truly believe this,) God lead me into that tree safely enough to not kill me – and luckily nobody else was involved and I didn’t injure or kill anyone. I could literally be in a Federal Prison for life right now. That is the reality of what my life had become.”
Read the full X post below.
I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve posted on any socials. It’s actually been a couple years since I’ve engaged with fans and friends on Twitter (now X) or Instagram.
But I figured today, at the beginning of this brand new year 2024, would be a good day to send a message out…
Rooney shared a positive tweet on his birthday, September 13th, which also marked his three-year anniversary of being sober.
The artist’s tweet on X was filled with encouraging sentiments. After thanking God for his goodness, Rooney posted, “Anyone out there who might be struggling with addiction, please know there is light at the other end of that long, seemingly endless small tunnel.”
He then encourages anyone who might be in a similar place as he was in 2021 to “lean on those you love” and “go get treatment if you can.”
Read the full post below.
Thank y’all for the birthday wishes. I’m humbled and blown away at all the X posts I’ve seen for my birthday today.
It’s been a heckuva journey for me the past 3 years. Not only is today my born date – but today is also my 3 year sobriety date.
I’m grateful and my heart is so…
Rascal Flatts‘ farewell tour was scheduled for 2020 but was quickly canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Shortly after, in 2021, the group split up and there have been no mentions of the trio touring again.
The guitarist has been out of the public eye since the disbanding of his band. His social media activity has been scarce over the past three years as he focused on his sobriety. However, the photos he has posted primarily feature his family and express his faith.
Rooney’s most recent post shows him playing guitar on the 4th of July, sparking speculation among fans about the return of their favorite guitarist.
