Full Breakdown
Thomas Rhett Reflects on Fame and Its Impact on His Marriage
3/26/2026, 10:59:41 PM
Living a Double Life Amidst Fame
Country music artist Thomas Rhett has opened up about the challenges he faced during his rise to fame, revealing that he once "lived a double life" that nearly jeopardized his marriage to Lauren Akins. In a candid discussion on Sadie Robertson Huff's "WHOA That’s Good" podcast, Rhett acknowledged that the overwhelming affirmation he received from his career led him to neglect his personal life. He stated, "I look back at our life during that time, and I'm not — I don't think I stewarded it very well, to be honest with you." Rhett emphasized that he was focused on achieving success "at all costs," which ultimately took a toll on his relationship.
The Strain of Fame and Family Life
Rhett described a period when he and Akins were living in Uganda while she was pregnant, and he was frequently traveling for work. He noted the difficulty of balancing his career with family responsibilities, saying, "I can never actually settle anywhere." Despite their commitment to each other—"divorce is not an option"—Rhett admitted that the pressures of fame made it challenging to maintain a healthy marriage. He reflected on how he had to confront his identity outside of his public persona, stating that it wasn't until 2020 that he began to discover "bits and pieces of who I actually was at my core."
A Journey Towards Spiritual Health
Rhett's journey toward self-discovery and spiritual health has been transformative. He shared that over the past five years, he has experienced significant personal growth, stating, "Jesus has chiseled on my heart more than I can remember." He expressed a sense of peace in his current life, saying, "I would say this is — I'm living my most true self now." Akins, who has often felt uncomfortable in the spotlight, acknowledged the differences in their personalities but highlighted the strength of their bond. She remarked, "Whenever I’m out of my comfort zone with Rhett, I know he’s going to hold my hand and get me out on the other side."
The Power of Faith and Gratitude
Both Rhett and Akins attribute their resilience to their faith. Akins noted the importance of not just knowing the truth but also believing and walking in it. She expressed gratitude for their life together, stating, "Every dream I ever dreamed as a little girl, like it has already happened and come true." Despite the challenges they faced, she emphasized the value of their journey together, recognizing Rhett's role in pushing them out of their comfort zones.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I look back at our life during that time, and I'm not — I don't think I stewarded it very well, to be honest with you." — Thomas Rhett
- "I can never actually settle anywhere." — Thomas Rhett
- "Whenever I’m out of my comfort zone with Rhett, I know he’s going to hold my hand and get me out on the other side." — Lauren Akins
- "Every dream I ever dreamed as a little girl, like it has already happened and come true." — Lauren Akins
Through their experiences, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins illustrate the complexities of navigating fame while nurturing a marriage, underscoring the importance of faith and mutual support in overcoming personal and relational challenges.
