Thomas Rhett’s Country Music Childhood: Growing Up as Rhett Akins’ Son

Born Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. on March 30, 1990, in Valdosta, Georgia, the multi-platinum country superstar grew up immersed in the world of country music thanks to his father, 1990s hitmaker Rhett Akins. From tour buses and stage-side moments to the challenges of a musician’s family life, Thomas Rhett’s early years shaped the artist he became—one who has scored dozens of No. 1 hits while building his own family legacy. Thomas Rhett’s Country Music Childhood!

Thomas Rhett’s Country Music Childhood

Early Life in a Touring Country Music Family

Thomas Rhett spent much of his childhood on the outskirts of Nashville (in Hendersonville, Tennessee) alongside his younger sister, Kasey Lee Akins. Their father’s rising career meant life revolved around a busy touring schedule. The family moved to Nashville when Thomas was young, and Rhett Akins quickly hit the road.

As his mom Paige Lankford recalled, “When we first moved to Nashville, he took off on the road. My daughter Kasey was like 6 weeks old. Thomas Rhett was 4, and it was kind of crazy.” The kids often joined their dad on the road, experiencing the excitement of tour buses, soundchecks, and performances firsthand. Thomas would skip school on Fridays to ride the bus on weekends, soaking in the energy of live shows.

He grew up knowing country legends like Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn. Music filled the house constantly—his dad played everything from classic country (Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings) to rock and even hip-hop. Thomas has shared that by age four he knew the words to almost every song on the radio and loved singing along with his father in the living room.

The Impact of Divorce and Family Challenges

The demands of touring took a toll. Thomas Rhett was just 9 years old when his parents divorced in 1999. He has spoken openly about feeling bitter at times, understanding that the road life contributed to the disconnect in his parents’ marriage. Despite the split, music remained a constant bond. His parents later remarried other people, and Thomas gained half-siblings, but the foundation of country music stayed strong in his life.

From Drums to Songwriting: Finding His Own Path - Thomas Rhett’s Country Music Childhood

Young Thomas Rhett wasn’t immediately set on becoming a singer. He played drums in a band and even attended Lipscomb University to study communications before dropping out at age 20 to pursue songwriting full-time. His dad’s influence was huge—he learned the craft by writing with Rhett Akins early on, calling his father a “chameleon of a songwriter.”

Thomas has credited his upbringing for his love of music, saying it felt “destined” in some way. He started penning hits for others (including Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line) before signing his own deal and releasing his debut single in 2012.

Father-Son Bond and Collaborations

Today, the father-son duo shares a close relationship. They’ve performed together on the Grand Ole Opry and co-written songs. Rhett Akins has expressed pride in how Thomas carved his own path while honoring their shared country roots. Thomas often reflects on those early tour memories with fondness, wearing red cowboy boots and a diaper on the bus as a toddler.

Thomas Rhett 2026 Tour Dates – The Soundtrack to Life Tour

Thomas Rhett is hitting the road in 2026 with his Soundtrack to Life Tour, a major headlining run across the U.S. He’ll also join select dates on Morgan Wallen’s Still The Problem Tour earlier in the year. Here are the confirmed dates (as of March 2026 – check official sites for updates and tickets):

Morgan Wallen’s Still The Problem Tour (Thomas Rhett as special guest):

• April 10, 2026 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium

• May 2, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium

• May 15, 2026 – Gainesville, FL – Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

  
  

Thomas Rhett: The Soundtrack to Life Tour (Headlining):

• July 9, 2026 – Nashville, TN – GEODIS Park (with Niall Horan on some shows)

• July 11, 2026 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena

• July 16, 2026 – Hartford, CT – The Meadows Music Theatre

• July 17, 2026 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion

• July 18, 2026 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

• August 13, 2026 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

• August 14, 2026 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

• August 20, 2026 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center

• Additional dates include stops in Grand Rapids, MI; Dallas, Austin, Phoenix, Sacramento, Kansas City, Columbus, and more, wrapping up October 24, 2026 in Omaha, NE at CHI Health Center.

  
  

Openers vary by date and include Emily Ann Roberts, ERNEST, Kashus Culpepper, Zach John King, Vincent Mason, and Conner Smith on select shows. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and thomasrhett.com.

FAQ: Thomas Rhett’s Hit Singles

What are Thomas Rhett’s biggest hit singles? Some of his most successful and beloved tracks include:

• “Die a Happy Man” (2015) – His career-defining romantic ballad and one of the biggest country love songs of the decade.

• “Marry Me” (2017) – A heartfelt story song that became a massive crossover hit.

• “Unforgettable” (2017)

• “Look What God Gave Her” (2019)

• “It Goes Like This” (2013) – His first No. 1 single.

• “T-Shirt,” “Crash and Burn,” “Life Changes,” “What’s Your Country Song,” “Slow Down,” and “Make Me Wanna.”

  
  

He has racked up over 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

How many No. 1 hits does Thomas Rhett have? As of 2026, Thomas Rhett has more than 20 chart-topping country singles, with a special “20 Number Ones” vinyl collection released to celebrate the milestone.

Did growing up with Rhett Akins influence his music style? Absolutely. Thomas blends traditional country storytelling with modern production, pop-leaning hooks, and even hip-hop influences he discovered as a kid—thanks in part to his dad exposing him to a wide range of music.

Has Thomas Rhett written songs with his dad? Yes. They’ve co-written together, and Rhett Akins has been a key mentor in Thomas’s songwriting journey.

Is Thomas Rhett still close with his father? Very much so. They perform together, share family moments publicly, and maintain a strong bond rooted in their shared love of country music.

Thomas Rhett’s childhood in a country music family wasn’t always easy, but it gave him the passion, work ethic, and real-life stories that fuel his relatable, chart-dominating songs. From bus rides with his dad to sold-out arenas of his own, his journey proves that country music truly runs in the family.

This article is for informational and entertainment purposes. Tour dates are subject to change—always verify on official ticketing sites.