On January 3rd, Joe Don posted a message to his followers on X. He began his message by apologizing for being absent on social media and saying he wanted to clarify rumors about him that have been circulating for years.
One rumor that Joe Don wanted to set straight was that he was allegedly transitioning into becoming a woman. Joe Don wrote, “That thought has never entered my mind.” Although, he also said he has nothing against the trans community.
Joe Don then discussed a serious incident that happened in the early morning hours of September 9, 2021, according to his post on X. He explained, in part, “I was so far gone with my life. I was completely out of control.”
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Joe Don was referring to the moment he crashed his vehicle into a tree. He claimed the accident could have ended his life. Joe Don confessed that he had been driving under the influence and was later arrested and charged with a DUI offense. He made no public comments at the time.
Joe Don Admitted That He Had a Drinking Problem
In his January 3rd post on X, Joe Don wrote, “There have been so many rumors and opinions thrown around about me, but I’m finally healthy and ready for the world.”
He revealed that his drinking had been an issue for many years and that his problem grew worse as he got older. “I was not a good father. I was not a good husband, and I was not a good bandmate to my business partners,” he wrote.
People reported on December 4, 2023, that Joe Don’s bitter divorce from his wife, Tiffany Fallon Rooney, had finally been settled in court. Their court battle included allegations of extravagant living and extramarital affairs by both Joe Don and Tiffany. They were married for 17 years.
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According to People, court documents allegedly showed that Joe Doe’s income dried up after the breakup of Rascal Flatts in 2020. Former Rascal Flatts bassist Jay DeMarcus appeared on Savannah Chrisley’s Unlocked with Savannah podcast in June 2023. Jay told Savannah he would “never say never” to a Rascal Flatts reunion. Although Jay also confessed to Savannah that the band is “in such different places right now, and don’t really communicate on a consistent basis.”
Rascal Flatts had agreed to a farewell tour in 2020, but the COVID pandemic ended those plans. Jay told Savannah, “I think the further we get away from it, the harder it is to put it back together.”
Joe Don’s marriage to Tiffany also became broken. One incident cited in court was an alleged fight between Tiffany and Joe Don when he accused her of spending too much money on a purse. Tiffany’s request for spousal support was denied in court. However, the finalized divorce agreement shows she will receive $791 per week in child support.
Joe Don Saw a Change in His Life
Getting back to his past troubles, Joe Don admitted on X, “Going to jail sucks!”
He also claimed that his September 2021 car wreck forced him to take responsibility for everything. Joe Don said he truly believes that God led him into that tree without harming himself or others. He wrote, “I could literally be in a Federal Prison for life now.”
Instead, he sought help.
Joe Don wrote that he entered treatment “for four months in the beautiful mountains of Utah.” He claimed that his life has been changed forever and wrote, “I’m grateful for the change.”
Joe Don wrote that as of January 13, 2024, he will be sober for 28 months.
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“I never believed I could actually live my life without drinking. It had become such a huge part of my daily and nightly routine,” he said on X. Joe Don considers the last few turbulent years “an absolute blessing in ways I can barely put into proper words.”
He also thanked his followers, saying, “Thank you for all the love, support, and prayers. I promise you, I’ve felt them all, and I’m super appreciative.” Joe Don is looking to make the best of 2024, “living our most healthiest, happiest, and goal-oriented lives ever.”
And he signed off with his initials, JDR.
