Thomas Rhett Gets Nashville Walk of Fame Star Surrounded by Friends, But Admits His Real ‘Pride Is Found at Home’ With Family
Friends Jordan Davis and former One Direction member Niall Horan helped celebrate the country star's emotional Music City honor
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Rhett was honored with the 113th star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.
- Friend Jordan Davis shared that Rhett measures success by his family, not his 25 No. 1 hits.
- Rhett celebrated the milestone alongside his wife Lauren Akins and their five children.
Country superstar Thomas Rhett added another milestone to his remarkable career when he was honored with the 113th star on the Music City Walk of Fame today in Nashville, a fitting tribute to one of country music’s biggest hitmakers.
This milestone celebrates his extraordinary 14-year career that includes seven studio albums, 25 chart-topping hits, more than 16 billion radio streams, and awards from the ACMs, CMAs, and Grammys. But as friend and fellow country star Jordan Davis told the crowd, Rhett’s greatest achievement isn’t measured in awards or sold-out arenas.
Thomas Rhett shared that when his daughter was recently asked what her famous dad does for work, she didn’t mention his 25 No. 1 hits or sold-out stadium tours. Her answer? “You sing.” And for the country superstar, that simple response captures everything he values most.
During the ceremony, host Kelly Sutton celebrated the country star’s remarkable journey. “Keep in mind his career started just 14 years ago,” Sutton said. “We fans have gotten to know his family so well. We know that this level of success only comes after a tremendous amount of work.”
Jordan Davis says Thomas Rhett’s greatest success isn’t his music—it’s his family
One of the ceremony’s most heartfelt moments came when fellow country star and close friend Jordan Davis took the stage to introduce Thomas Rhett, reflecting on both their friendship and the values that have defined Rhett’s career.
Davis said Rhett’s greatest achievement isn’t measured by awards or sold-out arenas. “The thing I think I most admire about him is that he measures success totally different than most people,” Davis said.
“We’re all here to celebrate the star that Thomas Rhett obviously is, but if you spent any time around him, you know that TR’s pride is not found in a writing room or on the stage. His pride is found at home with his five beautiful kids and his lovely wife, Lauren, and I believe that pride and that love for them is what makes his music so impactful.
“You can’t fake authenticity; it has to be earned, and Thomas has earned that in every step of the way. So today the star is well-deserved recognition of an extraordinary career that represents years of talent, dedication, countless hours of hard work, but for those who know Thomas, it also represents something deeper. It’s a reminder that you can achieve incredible success without losing your humility, your kindness, and your values.”
Niall Horan celebrates Thomas Rhett after emotional Grand Ole Opry debut
Adding to the celebration was one of Rhett’s closest friends, Niall Horan, who made a special appearance just one day after Rhett had stood beside him for his Grand Ole Opry debut. The timing made the week even more meaningful, as the two friends were also set to perform together at Nashville’s Geodis Park tomorrow night.
Reflecting on their decade-long friendship, Rhett shared, “We’ve known each other for about 10 years now; last night was the coolest moment I’ve ever gotten to have with Naill. Watching how nervous he was — a guy that’s played stadiums his whole life — to be like a little boy walking up on stage last night was the coolest memory I probably will ever have with Naill. To top it off, playing at Geodis Park tomorrow night, both our first time playing there and playing any shows together. It’s a special, overwhelming week for me.”
Thomas Rhett says wife Lauren and daughters keep him grounded through fame
While Rhett’s musical accomplishments continue to grow, he made it clear that the greatest joy in his life is his family. Married to his wife, Lauren Akins, since 2012, the couple is raising their four daughters and newest son—Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love, Lillie Carolina and Brave Elijah—and Rhett continuously credits them for keeping him grounded amid his superstardom.
Throughout the ceremony, he spoke about his family and how they continually remind him what truly matters. He shared an anecdote about asking his daughter what she thinks he does for work. “She did not answer me with, ‘You’re an entertainer’ or ‘You’re a country artist’ or ‘You have number one songs,’ just, ‘You sing.’ And I love that because to her that is all it is and it’s simple,” he said, “And in so many ways she’s right.” He urged fans and supporters to chase their dreams but not at the expense of missing moments with family.
Thomas Rhett’s Music City Walk of Fame star celebrates a career built on talent, humility and family
As family, friends and fans gathered around him, the Walk of Fame induction became more than a celebration of an extraordinary career — it was a reflection of the character behind the success. With 25 #1 hits and billions of streams, Thomas Rhett has cemented his place among country music’s greatest stars.
Surrounded by Lauren, their children, and those who have supported him every step of the way, receiving the 113th star on the Music City Walk of Fame was a fitting honor for an artist whose talent, humility and devotion to family have made him one of Nashville’s most beloved entertainers.
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