Rascal Flatts‘ Joe Don Rooney is opening up about his sobriety, as the trio gets ready to embark on their first tour, their Life Is A Highway Tour, since 2019. In the years since then, Rascal Flatts announced their farewell tour — one that didn’t happen due to the pandemic — and Rooney experienced a life-altering accident, one that led him to quit drinking in 2021.

“We all kind of went our separate ways and did our own things,” Rooney tells Audacy. “Obviously, I had to do a lot of things on myself and I’m really grateful for that time.”

In their time away, Rooney focused on his three children, Jagger, Raquel and Devon, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Tiffany.

“It was time well spent… to rejuvenate, spend time with my kids, refocus my energy as a father and I’m super thankful for that time,” Rooney says. “My connection with my kids has never been better.”

The fans might be excited to see Rascal Flatts on their Life Is A Highway Tour, but so are Rooney’s son and two daughters, who were much younger the last time their dad hit the road.

“They’re pretty hyped up to see us now since they’re a little older,” Rooney says. “As teenagers they’re like, ‘Let’s see what Dad does for a living now.’ They really want to see what he does on stage. It’s so cool to be able to give this to them.”

Rascal Flatts’ tour almost completely sold-out soon after tickets went on sale. The overwhelming success of the tour was surprising to all three members, including Rooney.

“It’s incredible to have people that are almost magnetized to the music we’ve been able to create,” Rooney says. “I don’t think they get enough appreciation and we definitely have always tried to spread love all over as much as we can because they’re the reason that we’re where we’re at and been successful.”

The music will hit differently for Rooney especially, who is not at all the same person he was when the group last toured together.

“For me, now being sober for a little over three years and refocusing my attention to my health and fatherhood and all that, a song like ‘My Wish,’ it hits me different,” Rooney reveals. “I’ve got a lot of other reasons I connect with the song now.”

Rooney might be rightfully proud of his transformation, but so are Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus, who are amazed at how much Rooney has changed.

“Sober Joe Don is incredible!” Jay DeMarcus tells Taste of Country Nights. “I have to say I’m so proud of him for what he’s been through and what he’s been able to overcome.”

While both LeVox and DeMarcus are eager to hit the road as a group again, no one is more excited than Rooney, who has a new lease on life.

“I’m so thankful to be part of Rascal Flatts and so grateful we’re going on tour again — I can’t wait to see the fans,” he says. “It’s definitely like a second chance.”

Rascal Flatts just released “I Dare You” with the Jonas Brothers. Find music and tour dates at RascalFlatts.com.