Jake Owen revealed that he has been sober for over 10 months and now he is talking about his journey to sobriety.
The 40-year-old, chart-topping hitmaker recently opened up about his sobriety during an interview with Audacy’s The Wake Up Call. Owen told the outlet that “it feels pretty good” to be sober and to be able to help other’s on their sobriety journeys.
“I’ve told a lot of people that I’ve learned a lot. Forget the last 318 days of learning, really what I’ve learned the last few days and posting that, from people that were moved by it and touched by it,” Owen told the outlet. “I was not intending that at all. I, in a way, surprised myself that in a business like we have, when you’re out there every night — every night is a meet and greet. Every night is a party for everyone you’re playing for. In a way you become accustomed. Next thing you know, it’s like, ‘Man, I’ve had a couple beers this week.’”
The Florida native admitted that he never struggled with an addition, but wanted to give up drinking to be a better version of himself.
“I never had a drinking problem or anything,” Owen revealed, before adding, “So I just did. I just stopped. I’m proud I did. What I realized in these moments was that it’s not easy for a lot of people. For me, it wasn’t hard. It was just something I decided to put down. For people who struggled and have reached out asking how I did it? It’s amazing to be able to connect with people like that.”
Owen first shared the news of his sobriety on Friday, July 29, via social media.
“317 days ago I embarrassed myself after drinking too much alcohol one night. It wasn’t the first time either,” Owen began. “The next day I told myself, ‘never again.’ I am better than that, and the people I love the most deserve better. My family, my little girls, and my friends.”
Owen then went on to say that he hopes his post inspires others who are struggling with alcoholism or addiction.
“Just wanted to share my journey in case anyone woke up this morning and wants to make a change,” Owen continued. “None of us are perfect… I’m just trying to be the best version of myself these days. Have a great weekend. Happy Friday.”
Jake Owen recently earned his tenth No. 1 hit with his single “Best Thing Since Backroads.”
The country hitmaker took to social media to celebrate the milestone No. 1 hit with a video message to fans graciously thanking them for making this possible.
“Let’s go! Boys and girls, the #1 song in all the land of country music,” Owen shared in the clip. “Thank you so much, holy frickin’ cow. It’s a Monday and having the #1 song in America is unbelievable. I could not do this first and foremost without the songwriters; you guys wrote an incredible song that’s only elevating my career. I have 10 #1 songs – I can’t even wrap my head around that. It took me seven years to get my first #1, and to think all these summers later we’re still cranking them out. To the fans – oh my gosh, the fans. You are the best thing since backroads, you have given me this life, I love you guys. You make country music what it is and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Additionally, Owen recently released his new single “1×1,” which celebrates the little things in life we often take for granted.
“There’s a five by seven of us up on the wall/ And that smile on your face, yeah, it says it all/ There’s a four by four sittin’ out in the drive/ Rides a whole lot better with your hand in mine/ And this house ain’t just some two by fours/ It’s you by me on the back porch/ Watchin’ the sun, woah oh/ Holdin’ on tight, takin’ these days and nights/ One by one,” Owen sings on the chorus.
The Florida native also shared a music video for the sentimental tune, which was directed by Ryan Smith and shot at Nashville Soundstage. The clip finds Owen strumming his acoustic guitar against a 270-degree, floor-to-ceiling video wall that showcased moments and memories that make life worth living.
