Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney Praises God for Sobriety: ‘Reflect God’s Light’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Rascal Flatts’ lead guitarist, Joe Don Rooney, thanked God for intervening as he celebrates 28 months of sobriety.
“My life and career took a major detour at 4 in the early morning hours of Sep 9, 2021, when I ran square into a tree and about killed myself. I was drunk and I was so far gone with my life – I was completely out of control and finished with trying to fight the fears, depression and anxieties that had spun me out in a way I’ve never experienced before,” Rooney wrote on X.
“Fortunately, (and I truly believe this,) God [led] me into that tree safely enough to not kill me – and luckily nobody else was involved and I didn’t injure or kill anyone,” he continued. “I could literally be in a Federal Prison for life right now. That is the reality of what my life had become.”
“My life has been changed forever – and I’m grateful for the change. I’ve been sober now for almost 28 months come this Jan 13. I never believed I could actually live my life without drinking… It’s an absolute blessing in ways I can barely put into proper words,” Rooney added. “For now, I’ll just say – thank you God!! I wish there was a way I could give back to God what all God has given to me – but moving forward, I will do my best to reflect God’s light of love and grace into others like so many have done for me.”
During the post, the singer revealed that alcohol deteriorated his ability to be a husband, father and bandmate. Without the accident, he wouldn’t have taken responsibility for his own failings.
However, through alcoholism treatment and AA, he has come to understand that his actions while under the influence are still his responsibility. With the help of friends, family, clinical advisors and God, he has regained control of his life.
“Now, I need to protect my family and protect my sobriety,” he ended the post. “I have new healthy boundaries for the first time in my life. Only positive, loving, caring & understanding people may enter… Thank you for all the love, support and prayers. I promise you, I’ve felt them all and I’m super appreciative.”
The Rascal Flatts announced their farewell tour in 2020 before officially disbanding in 2021.
Movieguide® previously reported on Rascal Flatts:
On the highway of life, there are plenty of curves and sharp turns, but Jay DeMarcus, the bassist of Rascal Flatts, knows how to steer his children in the right direction: look to Jesus.
DeMarcus was raised in the South and attributes his love of music from singing in the church choir.
Now, a father of two young children, Madeline and Dylan, DeMarcus and his wife Allison raise their children with Christian values. “It’s really important for me that they’re ingrained in a good church and have that good foundation to build upon,” DeMarcus said.
DeMarcus commented to People Magazine, “That’s something that was really, really important to me, to build that foundation with our kids so they at least went to church. God knows Dylan’s gonna need it later in life.”
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